Every year, on the 13th of May, a steady stream of Maltese Catholics make their way to the Mosta Dome. They come not just to admire the third-largest unsupported dome in the world, but to pay homage to a spiritual event that took place a century ago, halfway across the globe, in the small Portuguese village of Fatima.

Fatima: A Century of Miracles

In 1917, three shepherd children – Lucia dos Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto – reported visions of the Virgin Mary in Fatima. Over six months, the ‘Lady of Fatima’ appeared to them on the 13th of each month, revealing secrets and performing miracles, the most famous being the ‘Miracle of the Sun’. News of these apparitions spread, and so did devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, reaching Malta’s shores within decades.

Fatima in Malta: A Century of Devotion

Malta’s first Fatima statue was erected in 1930 in the small village of Għaxaq. Today, Fatima shrines and statues dot the Maltese scene, from the bustling streets of Valletta to the quiet corners of Gozo. The Mosta Dome, with its striking Fatima statue, is a prominent pilgrimage site. Every year, on the anniversary of the Fatima apparitions, thousands gather here for a special Mass and procession.

But Fatima’s influence extends beyond these physical landmarks. It’s woven into Malta’s spiritual fabric, inspiring countless acts of charity and devotion. The Fatima Prayer, for instance, is a staple in Maltese households and schools. It’s a prayer for peace, recited daily by millions worldwide, born out of the Fatima apparitions.

Fatima Today: A Beacon of Hope

In 2017, the centenary of the Fatima apparitions, Pope Francis canonized Jacinta and Francisco, making them the youngest non-martyrs to be declared saints. The same year, Malta celebrated Fatima’s legacy with a special pilgrimage to Rome, carrying a replica of the Fatima statue from Mosta.

Today, as we grapple with global challenges, the message of Fatima – peace, prayer, and penance – resonates more than ever. It’s a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest times, light can break through, as it did that day in Fatima, a century ago.

So, on the 13th of May, when you see the faithful gathered at the Mosta Dome, remember, they’re not just honouring a historical event. They’re seeking solace in a promise made a century ago, under the sun in Fatima.

“The Lady of Fatima came to remind us that God is my Father, and I should not be afraid. I should be obedient, humble, and filled with love, and go to the Sacraments.” – Sr. Lucia dos Santos

This year, join the pilgrimage. Feel the power of collective prayer. Let the echoes of Fatima fill your heart with hope.