Sister Lucia, together with her cousins Jacinta and Francisco, witnessed six appearances of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The message was clear: the world needed repentance, prayer, and conversion. Our Lady warned that if humanity did not change its ways, terrible punishments would follow.
Among the many messages, one stands out as both troubling and deeply thought-provoking: “The final battle between the Lord and the kingdom of Satan will be about marriage and the family” (karmel.pl, opoka.org.pl, aleteia.org). This statement, spoken by Sister Lucia dos Santos, calls us to understand that the spiritual war is fought over the very foundations of society.
Marriage and family are among the oldest human institutions, and they play a crucial role in transmitting faith, values, and culture. It is within the family that consciences are formed, and the first bonds of love and responsibility are created. This is why the final battle concerns these values.
The 20th century witnessed two devastating world wars, the spread of communist ideology—whose goals included undermining traditional family structures—and the persecution of the faithful. These historical events echo the warnings given at Fatima, signaling that the prophecy was unfolding.
Now, in the 21st century, this battle continues. Debates over the definition of marriage, legal questions concerning the family, and ideologies challenging traditional values are all part of this spiritual struggle. Sister Lucia’s warning is clear: this is not a battle to be ignored.
The message of Our Lady of Fatima invites us to consecrate ourselves to her Immaculate Heart, to pray the Rosary, and to practice penance as ways to protect families and society from the destructive effects of sin.
Yet, this message is not one of despair. Our Lady offered humanity hope—a path to peace and salvation. Through repentance, prayer, and acts of love, the consequences of this battle can be lessened. It is a call to each of us to defend marriage and family as sacred institutions.
On the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, we remember that her message remains urgent and relevant. It is a summons to renew our faith and live in truth and love.
During one apparition, the children were shown a terrifying vision of hell—a place of suffering and anguish. Our Lady revealed this to impress upon them the importance of saving souls through prayer and penance. This vision left a profound impact on the children and remains a powerful symbol of the seriousness of the Fatima message.
The legend of Fatima tells us that God chose this place to send a warning and a message of hope to the world. It was no accident that Our Lady appeared to three innocent children—symbols of purity and simplicity—through whom the truth could speak. The battle for the family is not just a conflict of ideas but a call to the heart of every person.
