In the heart of Rabat, Malta, stands the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, a humble yet significant reminder of the apparitions that took place a century ago. The sanctuary, located on Triq Sant’Anton, is not just a place of worship; it’s a testament to the spiritual connection that Malta shares with the world’s most famous Marian apparitions.

On May 13, 1917, in the small village of Fatima, Portugal, three shepherd children reported seeing a vision of the Virgin Mary. Over the course of six months, the Blessed Virgin appeared to Lucia dos Santos and her cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto on the 13th day of each month, revealing secrets and imparting messages of peace and prayer. A century later, these apparitions continue to inspire millions worldwide, including Malta’s devoted Catholics.

Malta’s connection to Fatima is deeply rooted in its Catholic heritage. The first reported apparition in Fatima coincided with the height of World War I, a time when Malta, as a British naval base, was under threat. It’s no coincidence that the first public apparition in Fatima was reported on the same day that the British battleship HMS Valiant was launched in Malta, a symbol of hope and protection during those tumultuous times.

In Malta, the Fatima apparitions have been celebrated annually since 1922, when the first public procession in honor of Our Lady of Fatima was held in Valletta. The devotion has since grown, with numerous churches and chapels dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima, including the sanctuary in Rabat, which was built in 1964.

This year, Malta joins the world in celebrating the centennial of the Fatima apparitions. The celebrations kicked off on May 13 with a Mass at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima in Rabat, followed by a procession through the streets of the historic town. The celebrations will continue throughout the year, culminating in a national pilgrimage to the sanctuary in October.

For those interested in joining the celebrations, the sanctuary in Rabat is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Mass is celebrated every day at 6:00 PM, with additional Masses and devotions on weekends and feast days. The sanctuary also houses a museum dedicated to the Fatima apparitions, offering a deeper insight into the history and significance of these events.

As we mark the centennial of the Fatima apparitions, let us take a moment to reflect on the messages of peace, prayer, and penance that Our Lady imparted to the three shepherd children. Let us also remember the countless Maltese who, over the past century, have found solace and inspiration in the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima.

As the sun sets on the centennial celebrations, let us carry forward the legacy of Fatima, spreading hope and love in our communities, just as the Blessed Virgin Mary asked of us a century ago.