The apparitions of the Virgin Mary at Fatima and Medjugorje are significant events in the Catholic tradition, each with its own distinct context and messages.
Our Lady of Fátima
Location: Fátima, Portugal
Year: 1917
Visionaries:
- Lucia dos Santos
- Francisco Marto
- Jacinta Marto
Key Events:
- The Virgin Mary reportedly appeared to the three children on the 13th of each month from May to October 1917.
- The apparitions included messages urging prayer, repentance, and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
- The “Miracle of the Sun” on October 13, 1917, witnessed by thousands, where the sun appeared to dance in the sky.
Messages:
- A call to prayer, particularly the Rosary, and penance.
- Prophecies concerning future events, including World War II, the rise of communism, and the persecution of the Church.
- The famous “Three Secrets of Fátima,” which were revealed over time, including a vision of hell, predictions about future turmoil, and a vision of the Pope and other religious figures being martyred.
Our Lady of Medjugorje
Location: Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Year: 1981-present
Visionaries:
- Ivanka Ivanković-Elez
- Mirjana Dragičević-Soldo
- Vicka Ivanković-Mijatović
- Ivan Dragičević
- Marija Pavlović-Lunetti
- Jakov Čolo
Key Events:
- The Virgin Mary reportedly began appearing to six young people in June 1981 and continues to appear to some of them to this day.
- The apparitions are characterized by messages promoting peace, conversion, prayer, and fasting.
- Monthly messages are often shared with the public.
Messages:
- A call to prayer, especially the Rosary, and to fasting and penance.
- Emphasis on peace, reconciliation, and conversion of heart.
- The “10 Secrets” given to the visionaries, which concern future events and chastisements.
Church’s Position
- Fátima: The Church officially recognizes the apparitions at Fátima as worthy of belief, and it has become a major site of pilgrimage.
- Medjugorje: The Vatican has not given a definitive verdict on the authenticity of the apparitions at Medjugorje but has permitted pilgrimages and continues to study the phenomena.
Both sets of apparitions have had a profound impact on the faithful, inspiring millions to prayer and deeper devotion.
