By Annet Nakanwagi,
INTERNATIONAL
Pope Francis has signed a decree declaring Sister Lucia, the visionary of Fatima, as venerable
Sister Lucia,the visionary of Fatima SantosThe Pope has signed a Decree acknowledging the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Lúcia de Jesus e do Coração Immaculado (born Lúcia dos Santos).
Lucia Santos, a Servant of God, played a pivotal role in the events of Fátima.
Born on March 28, 1907, in Aljustrel, Portugal, Lucia was the youngest of seven children. At the age of 10, while tending sheep with her cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto, she witnessed the first heavenly apparition of the Angel of Portugal, who prepared them for a greater visitation.
On May 13, 1917, Lucia, along with her cousins, experienced the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Cova de Iria. The apparitions continued each month, except for August, until October 1917. During these encounters, Mary emphasized the importance of prayer, especially the rosary, and sacrifice. She also shared prophecies about future events, including the end of World War I, the rise of communism in Russia, the annihilation of nations, and the suffering of the faithful.
After the deaths of Jacinta and Francisco during the flu pandemic of 1919, Lucia carried on the mission assigned to her. She joined the Sisters of St. Dorothy and later became a Discalced Carmelite nun, taking the name Sister Maria Lucia of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart. Throughout her life, she continued to receive private revelations and wrote books recounting the events of Fátima.
Sister Lucia made pilgrimages to Fatima on several occasions, including the 50th anniversary of the apparitions and the beatification of Jacinta and Francisco. She dedicated her life to spreading devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and answering questions about living the message of Fátima.
After a long life of faithful service, Sister Maria Lucia passed away on February 13, 2005. Her funeral took place at the cathedral of Coimbra, and she will be laid to rest at the Basilica in Fátima alongside her cousins. The legacy of Lucia Santos, the visionary of Fátima, continues to inspire and captivate believers around the world.
