In the quaint village of Fátima, Portugal, three shepherd children, Lucia dos Santos, Francisco Marto, and Jacinta Marto, experienced an extraordinary occurrence that would mark the beginning of a series of events known as the Fátima apparitions. On the thirteenth of May in 1917, while tending their flock in the Cova da Iria, the children reported seeing a brilliant light and then a lady dressed in white, who spoke to them. The apparition identified herself as 'Our Lady of Fátima' and communicated messages calling for prayer, penance, and the need for repentance due to the prevailing sins of humanity. The children's faithful responses and the Lord's unyielding messages made this encounter pivotal in their lives and the lives of many who would learn their story.

As news of the apparition spread, more people began to visit Fátima, with many incredulous at the reports brought back by the children. The local clergy were initially skeptical, but this skepticism turned to curiosity as the events continued, with additional apparitions reported monthly until October. What set the Fátima apparitions apart were the detailed messages given to the children, including predictions about future events and the signing of the message with a request for conversion and prayer for sinners.

The story of the first apparition was compelling, not only because of the claimed miraculous nature of the events but also due to the rich spiritual context surrounding World War I, a time of great turmoil and suffering in Europe. Many saw this incident as a sign of hope and a call to renewal within the Catholic faith, culminating in a growing pilgrimage tradition to the site, which persists to this day.