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The True Story of Fatima
Now, for the first time, this classic in Fatima literature is available on Kindle. Written by the priest-author who spent seven years in Fatima (1943-1950), this is the true story of the 1917 Fatima apparitions, including interviews with the three shepherd children, their parents and various family members, and other eye-witness accounts.
Highlighting the lives of each of the three children (including the deaths of Blessed Francisco Marto and Blessed Jacinta Marto), this book features various transcripts of interrogations made of the children, eye-witness accounts of the apparitions and of the Miracle of the Sun, the two consecrations made by Pope Pius XII, and affirms that the "Third Secret" of Fatima was to be released by 1960. Includes the updated 1952 Appendix, which features a critical examination of the "Great Miracle," and also corrects a popular but erroneous fiction regarding Blessed Francisco and the first apparition on May 13, 1917. With photos and linked Table of Contents and endnotes, this easily readable book which tells the true and beautiful story of Fatima is for everyone---children, teens, and adults.
Highlighting the lives of each of the three children (including the deaths of Blessed Francisco Marto and Blessed Jacinta Marto), this book features various transcripts of interrogations made of the children, eye-witness accounts of the apparitions and of the Miracle of the Sun, the two consecrations made by Pope Pius XII, and affirms that the "Third Secret" of Fatima was to be released by 1960. Includes the updated 1952 Appendix, which features a critical examination of the "Great Miracle," and also corrects a popular but erroneous fiction regarding Blessed Francisco and the first apparition on May 13, 1917. With photos and linked Table of Contents and endnotes, this easily readable book which tells the true and beautiful story of Fatima is for everyone---children, teens, and adults.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1922
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118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 8, 2013
This book convinced me that the Fatima apparitions on May 13 to October 13, 1917 actually happened. This belief has nothing to do with being a Catholic. The reasons I have:
This was not the first time that I read about the story of the Lady of Fatima. I remember that in the late 80's my eldest brother gave us something like this book to read and the four of us (three boys and one girl), all teenagers or early 20's, talked about the story. Our eldest linked the message to the millennium and the belief then that it would be the end of the world. We realized that we would be 35-41 years old during that year and we would experience what the Bible says "gnashing of teeth" because of pain during the events that would lead to the "second coming." So, we all decided to follow what our eldest were doing: pray the rosary everyday.
But the end of the world did not happen in 2000 and we all got very busy with raising our own respective families and careers. Then came this good friend who convinced me to go back to God's fold. He was the one who advised me to confess (after 19 years!) and take the Holy Communion. He was the one who lured me back to pray the Rosary everyday.
I may not be reading one book after the other now and I am planning to reduce my target books to read from 300 to a more manageable number, but I am glad I am back and now feel nearer to God.
My wife also loves me more than ever.
(1) the children that were involved had no reasons to lie and two of them accepted death as if it were the only reason for living;For all non-believers, read this book, weep, and be glad that these apparitions happened. These are definitely another manifestations of the Mama Mary's unwavering love to mankind.
(2) 96 years have passed and many people still keep the story dear to their hearts. My good friend gave this this book to me. He is a Fatima volunteer;
(3) In my humble opinion, save from the consecration of Russia, all of the messages of the Lady of Fatima still speak true up to this very day.
This was not the first time that I read about the story of the Lady of Fatima. I remember that in the late 80's my eldest brother gave us something like this book to read and the four of us (three boys and one girl), all teenagers or early 20's, talked about the story. Our eldest linked the message to the millennium and the belief then that it would be the end of the world. We realized that we would be 35-41 years old during that year and we would experience what the Bible says "gnashing of teeth" because of pain during the events that would lead to the "second coming." So, we all decided to follow what our eldest were doing: pray the rosary everyday.
But the end of the world did not happen in 2000 and we all got very busy with raising our own respective families and careers. Then came this good friend who convinced me to go back to God's fold. He was the one who advised me to confess (after 19 years!) and take the Holy Communion. He was the one who lured me back to pray the Rosary everyday.
I may not be reading one book after the other now and I am planning to reduce my target books to read from 300 to a more manageable number, but I am glad I am back and now feel nearer to God.
My wife also loves me more than ever.
April 11, 2018
I remember reading this when I was a child, maybe at the age of 10 or 11. I'm not sure how we had this book but I used to love reading it. I got older and the book somehow got lost, maybe when we moved. I was always a little sad about that.
Years later (decades would be more accurate), I came upon the book again at the library, of all places. Someone had donated it and it was for sale. I felt like the book had come back to me.
I still love the story but I perhaps now read it with a bit more of a jaded or older-self view of things.
I lent the book to my coworker almost a year ago. I'm afraid I am not going to get it back at this point. I'm a little saddened about it, but maybe I'm not supposed to get it back. Maybe it's time it went in other hands. The book is meant to be passed on and shared. That's the only thing that keeps me from asking her back for my book.
It seems wrong to rate this book and I am going to rate this only by how close to my heart it is.
Years later (decades would be more accurate), I came upon the book again at the library, of all places. Someone had donated it and it was for sale. I felt like the book had come back to me.
I still love the story but I perhaps now read it with a bit more of a jaded or older-self view of things.
I lent the book to my coworker almost a year ago. I'm afraid I am not going to get it back at this point. I'm a little saddened about it, but maybe I'm not supposed to get it back. Maybe it's time it went in other hands. The book is meant to be passed on and shared. That's the only thing that keeps me from asking her back for my book.
It seems wrong to rate this book and I am going to rate this only by how close to my heart it is.
March 11, 2019
Readers interested in the Fatima Story might think they know everything there is to know. After all, the first apparitions were in 1917, and it seems that everyone knows all about it. This book, originally written in 1947 and updated in 2009, provides more information than one might think possible.
The book's materials include first hand interviews with a number of the people who were present at some of the later apparitions. They were still alive and were eager to tell what had happened. Newspaper accounts also were provided that were written contemporaneously. And yes, there were reporters and photographers present, although the quality of photographs that long ago was not great, some were taken.
And Sister Lucia lived until 2005. Over the years since the first apparitions, there were many developments within the Catholic Church that affected and were affected by Fatima; some good, some not so good. But all are interesting to a reader who might think she knows everything there is to know about the subject.
The book's materials include first hand interviews with a number of the people who were present at some of the later apparitions. They were still alive and were eager to tell what had happened. Newspaper accounts also were provided that were written contemporaneously. And yes, there were reporters and photographers present, although the quality of photographs that long ago was not great, some were taken.
And Sister Lucia lived until 2005. Over the years since the first apparitions, there were many developments within the Catholic Church that affected and were affected by Fatima; some good, some not so good. But all are interesting to a reader who might think she knows everything there is to know about the subject.
December 1, 2025
This is a straight-forward, detailed recount of the mysterious (and, to many, miraculous) events that took place in Fatima, Portugal, throughout 1917. Written with a good eye for many separatem corroborating sources, and also a willingness to honestly depict the rather shameful actions and attitudes of some churchmen during the apparitions and the furore caused. It's a story that should be well-known to Catholics, whatever their thoughts on the matter may be. And for them, this book is a handy summary which captures both the historical detail and also the underlying spirit of the Message - it is one that is is doubt challenging, incriminating. But also a profoundly hopeful demonstration by Our Lady of God's love for us, His fallen children.
Also, I should think this was a perfectly adequate book for anyone non-Catholics or even non-Christians, who wish at least to learn what the so-called apparitions of Fatima were all about, according to the faithful.
Also, I should think this was a perfectly adequate book for anyone non-Catholics or even non-Christians, who wish at least to learn what the so-called apparitions of Fatima were all about, according to the faithful.
February 17, 2016
This book should be read by anyone who wants to learn more about the apparitions of the Blessed Mother in Fatima. It is very informative in that we get to know personally the three children who saw Mary, about their lives, sacrifices, devotion, hardships, and sufferings.
May 28, 2022
This book is astounding. The English is not always perfect, but can be forgiven since it was written by John De Marchi (1914-2003) who was an Italian priest of the Consolata Missionaries (I.M.C.).
In 1943 he was sent to Portugal and there in Fatima he wrote many books about the events at Fatima. Both Jacinta and Francisco had already died when he wrote "The True Story of Fatima", but he did get to interview Lucia (to whom Our Lady of the Rosary spoke). He also interviewed many other people, some of whom were believers in the apparitions, some were sceptical and others were openly adversarial to the apparitions. This book is written in a calm, factual manner, with no hysterics or drama. Father de Marchi also quoted a lot from the newspapers of the time and this is what he said:
"I have used the Portuguese newspapers of the period, especially the Seculo, the Diario de Noticias, and the Mundo, all at the time important pro-government journals, anticlerical in both policy and tone. They describe the drama of the reported apparitions from a purely secular, non-religious point of view, giving a graphic, if at times a somewhat tongue-in-cheek colouration to those initial pilgrimages to the field called the Cova da Iria, near Fatima, when it was first alleged that the Mother of God had appeared to three peasant children. It is worth noting that the Catholic Press at that time was hardly less sceptical."
The faith of the three young seers is staggering. Jacinta, was 7 at the time of the apparitions, Francisco was 9 and Lucia was 10. The sacrifices and mortifications they practised after the apparitions would be beyond most mature adults.
This book has had a profound effect on me.
In 1943 he was sent to Portugal and there in Fatima he wrote many books about the events at Fatima. Both Jacinta and Francisco had already died when he wrote "The True Story of Fatima", but he did get to interview Lucia (to whom Our Lady of the Rosary spoke). He also interviewed many other people, some of whom were believers in the apparitions, some were sceptical and others were openly adversarial to the apparitions. This book is written in a calm, factual manner, with no hysterics or drama. Father de Marchi also quoted a lot from the newspapers of the time and this is what he said:
"I have used the Portuguese newspapers of the period, especially the Seculo, the Diario de Noticias, and the Mundo, all at the time important pro-government journals, anticlerical in both policy and tone. They describe the drama of the reported apparitions from a purely secular, non-religious point of view, giving a graphic, if at times a somewhat tongue-in-cheek colouration to those initial pilgrimages to the field called the Cova da Iria, near Fatima, when it was first alleged that the Mother of God had appeared to three peasant children. It is worth noting that the Catholic Press at that time was hardly less sceptical."
The faith of the three young seers is staggering. Jacinta, was 7 at the time of the apparitions, Francisco was 9 and Lucia was 10. The sacrifices and mortifications they practised after the apparitions would be beyond most mature adults.
This book has had a profound effect on me.
July 26, 2017
An absolutely beautiful book, and I so appreciated the photographs, especially of the children. What beautiful children! So sad two of them died so young, but, at least, Sister Lucia lived to old age!
July 14, 2021
Very Personal Account of Fatima as witnessed by the Three Children
This book, written by a priest close to the children includes many intimate accounts that gives a wonderful depth to this intriguing story.
This book, written by a priest close to the children includes many intimate accounts that gives a wonderful depth to this intriguing story.
August 22, 2019
Easy read, short, thorough overview of what happened at Fátima and afterwards. Includes a lot of first hand testimony of Lúcia and others.
February 26, 2025
** Scanned last half. Dry and plain jane prose. It does have some pics.
January 25, 2015
This book is an account of what may arguably be the most significant event of the 20th Century - the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three young children in the Portuguese village of Fatima in 1915-1917. Taking place during the devastation of the First World War, and taking place in a nation that, although it had a strong Catholic tradition, was ruled at the time by a government that was decisively anti-Catholic, these aparitions are a powerful witness to the efforts that God undertook to set mankind on a detour away from what would be the deadliest century in human history.
When I first picked up this book, I had very low expectations for it. I expected a sticky, sentimental narrative about the events and the message of Fatima. But I was pleasantly surprised. De Marchi obviously spent a great deal of time researching and writing this little volume. He interviewed hundreds of witnesses and references a number of newspapers and other journals that covered the events of the apparitions. The resulting book is hardly a naive restatement of the "party line" regarding the apparitions. Rather, it is a solidly researched and gives the reader a powerful feeling for the gravity of what happened at Fatima, and the tremendous significance that these events had on World War I, World War II, the rise of Communism and the dominance of the secular worldview that would characterize the 20th Century.
Perhaps the most gripping part of this book is the other-worldly nature of the events at Fatima. The seers at Fatima were small children, of the ages of 5 to 12 years old at the time of the apparitions. Before the events, these children were like any other children at the time; they liked to dance, sing, play and they did the family chores as required. But during and after the apparitions these children underwent a transformation that was astounding; the loss of the desire to play, the desire to do penance and the infatuation with prayer. How could this happen to such small children who did not actually belong to overly religious families? These children underwent trials that most adults would not be able to endure. They were ostrocized, teased by their own families and friends, threatened, even imprisoned and interrogated by the authorities. But they came through these trials faithfully. How is this possible for such young children? More importantly, these children were not supported by any of their families or adults in the village. Yet, by the time of the ninth apparition in October 1917, thousands of pilgrims came to the apparition site from across Portugal to witness the great miracle of the sun. If these children were just lying or delusional, then how could they have undergone such trials and produced such results?
The message of Fatima was simple. Pray, do penance and stop making a mockery of Christianity and the love of God. This message could not be more appropriate in 1915-1917, at the emergence of Bolshevism and the terror of the First World War. The Virgin predicted the Second World War and the collapse of faith among the nations, facts that became brutally real in the coming years. Her request to consecrate Russia to her Immaculate Heart remarkably was never obeyed. Even decades later, the request had not been carried out.
And this brings me to the one downside of this book. The final few pages are an analysis of the "politics" of the apparitions, ie the request to consecrate Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. De Marchi and his successor excoriate the Church for refusing to perform the consecration. In fact, a consecration was performed, consecrating the entire world to the Immaculate Heart, but Mary's intent was not to consecrate the world but rather to consecrate Russia specifically. De Marchi points out the remarkable fact that prior to the consecration in October 1942, all of the battles of the war in Europe went in favor of the Axis, but after the consecration, the Allies started winning all of the battles. Could it be that the consecration was a part of this dramatic turn in the war in favor of the allies? Similarly, Pope John Paul II performed a consecration of the world to the Immaculate Heart in 1984. Five years later, Communism in Europe fell. But De Marchi's thesis is that, if the consecrations had been performed as the Virgin had intended, then a far more profound peace would have prevailed in the world. It's hard to say if this is true. The problem with private revelations is that they can be interpreted many ways, and to lay the fate on the Church to the carrying out of intentions laid out in them is dangerous business.
Still, I highly recommend this little book to anyone who is interested in the events of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fatima.
When I first picked up this book, I had very low expectations for it. I expected a sticky, sentimental narrative about the events and the message of Fatima. But I was pleasantly surprised. De Marchi obviously spent a great deal of time researching and writing this little volume. He interviewed hundreds of witnesses and references a number of newspapers and other journals that covered the events of the apparitions. The resulting book is hardly a naive restatement of the "party line" regarding the apparitions. Rather, it is a solidly researched and gives the reader a powerful feeling for the gravity of what happened at Fatima, and the tremendous significance that these events had on World War I, World War II, the rise of Communism and the dominance of the secular worldview that would characterize the 20th Century.
Perhaps the most gripping part of this book is the other-worldly nature of the events at Fatima. The seers at Fatima were small children, of the ages of 5 to 12 years old at the time of the apparitions. Before the events, these children were like any other children at the time; they liked to dance, sing, play and they did the family chores as required. But during and after the apparitions these children underwent a transformation that was astounding; the loss of the desire to play, the desire to do penance and the infatuation with prayer. How could this happen to such small children who did not actually belong to overly religious families? These children underwent trials that most adults would not be able to endure. They were ostrocized, teased by their own families and friends, threatened, even imprisoned and interrogated by the authorities. But they came through these trials faithfully. How is this possible for such young children? More importantly, these children were not supported by any of their families or adults in the village. Yet, by the time of the ninth apparition in October 1917, thousands of pilgrims came to the apparition site from across Portugal to witness the great miracle of the sun. If these children were just lying or delusional, then how could they have undergone such trials and produced such results?
The message of Fatima was simple. Pray, do penance and stop making a mockery of Christianity and the love of God. This message could not be more appropriate in 1915-1917, at the emergence of Bolshevism and the terror of the First World War. The Virgin predicted the Second World War and the collapse of faith among the nations, facts that became brutally real in the coming years. Her request to consecrate Russia to her Immaculate Heart remarkably was never obeyed. Even decades later, the request had not been carried out.
And this brings me to the one downside of this book. The final few pages are an analysis of the "politics" of the apparitions, ie the request to consecrate Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. De Marchi and his successor excoriate the Church for refusing to perform the consecration. In fact, a consecration was performed, consecrating the entire world to the Immaculate Heart, but Mary's intent was not to consecrate the world but rather to consecrate Russia specifically. De Marchi points out the remarkable fact that prior to the consecration in October 1942, all of the battles of the war in Europe went in favor of the Axis, but after the consecration, the Allies started winning all of the battles. Could it be that the consecration was a part of this dramatic turn in the war in favor of the allies? Similarly, Pope John Paul II performed a consecration of the world to the Immaculate Heart in 1984. Five years later, Communism in Europe fell. But De Marchi's thesis is that, if the consecrations had been performed as the Virgin had intended, then a far more profound peace would have prevailed in the world. It's hard to say if this is true. The problem with private revelations is that they can be interpreted many ways, and to lay the fate on the Church to the carrying out of intentions laid out in them is dangerous business.
Still, I highly recommend this little book to anyone who is interested in the events of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fatima.
October 27, 2013
When my father in law was very ill we watched part of Song of Bernadette. he so wanted me to finish, but i was off to somewhere, a darn shame. i will finish in his honor. A few months later i stumbled on the True Story of Fatima and desired to read it. i do pray the rosary, or more accurately I pray some of the rosary sometimes. I know the power of prayers to our mother and am blessed with her healing of my mind when troubled.
What I ask myself is why am I so easily distracted from the simple beauty of these devotions? This was another time, a time of self sacrifice, a time of faith. Do we pray for ourselves or for the salvation of souls?
What I ask myself is why am I so easily distracted from the simple beauty of these devotions? This was another time, a time of self sacrifice, a time of faith. Do we pray for ourselves or for the salvation of souls?
August 20, 2012
Saw this at my aunt's house and read it thinking how often do I get a chance to read about Catholicism. It caught my attention because of the Muslim name, Fatima. Definitely had trouble with some of the vocabulary since I have no christian reading background. It was an ok read.
June 21, 2013
Loved the writing, the time period, the stories. Still don't know about the validity of the content...further research to follow.
March 29, 2015
This book has helped me to view suffering in a new way and has given me more of a desire to serve the Lord.
November 4, 2018
Overall this was a good account of an amazing series of events.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews