In 1917, three shepherd children witnessed apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima, Portugal. The children were Lucia Santos and her cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto.

These apparitions led to the creation of the title "Our Lady of Fatima" and the establishment of a major Catholic pilgrimage site. The apparitions culminated in the "Miracle of the Sun" in October 1917, an event witnessed by thousands. 

In 1925, Sister Lucia, who was then in a convent in Pontevedra, Spain, experienced a vision of the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus. Mary and Jesus appeared on a cloud, and Mary rested her hand on Lucia's shoulder, revealing a heart encircled by thorns. During this apparition, the Child Jesus spoke about the need for reparation for sins.

This year,2025, a series of events will take place to mark the centenary of the Pontevedra Apparition, including visits of the Centenary Pilgrim Virgin Statue of the Immaculate Heart to cathedrals in England & Wales.

The purpose of these visits is to bring the graces of Fatima and Our Lady’s message of hope, peace and salvation to those who may not have an opportunity to make a pilgrimage to Fatima itself. 

We are delighted that our Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral will host the visitation of the Centenary Pilgrim Virgin Statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the relics of Saints Jacinta and Francisco, as part of the Jubilee Year 2025, a time of spiritual renewal. This important event will take place in the Cathedral on Monday 2 June 2025, 10:00am – 4:00pm.

The special visitation carries a message of hope and reparation, reminding us of Our Lady’s promise that her Immaculate Heart will be our refuge.  

The message of Our Lady of Fatima, which emphasizes prayer (especially daily recitation of the rosary), penance, and conversion, is more urgent now than ever. We live in an increasingly hostile and dangerous world. Peace in the world must begin with peace in the human heart. Our Lady told Lucia that if we do what she tells us which is what God wants from us, then there will be peace in our hearts and peace in the world.  

All are welcome to this day of prayer and reflection, seeking Our Lady’s intercession for peace and renewal.