Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto: The Inspiring Story of the Fatima Seers

Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto, also known as the Fatima seers, were two Portuguese siblings who witnessed apparitions of the Virgin Mary in the early 20th century. Their faith and devotion to God have inspired millions around the world, and their lives continue to be celebrated through their patronage and veneration as saints.

Jacinta Marto was born on March 11th, 1910, and Francisco Marto was born on June 11th, 1908, in Aljustrel, a small village in Portugal, near Fatima. They were 2 of the 3 children of Manuel and Olimpia Marto. Their family was poor but deeply religious, and they often prayed the Rosary together.

In 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared to the siblings in a series of visions, urging them to pray for the conversion of sinners and the end of World War I. The visions culminated in the famous Miracle of the Sun on October 13th, 1917, witnessed by tens of thousands of people. The children spent much of their time in prayer. Francisco chose to "console Jesus for the sins of the world" in private prayer. A frightening vision of hell given to the children in one of the apparitions made a big impression on Jacinta. She was moved to save sinners with prayer and penance, making sacrifices as instructed by the Virgin Mary. 

Sadly, both Jacinta and Francisco contracted the Spanish flu during the pandemic of 1918 and died within a couple years. Francisco died at the age of 10 on April 4th, 1919 and Jacinta died at the age of 9 on February 20th, 1920. They both died in their home village of Aljustrel. 

Despite their young age, Jacinta and Francisco displayed a remarkable faith and devotion to God. They endured persecution and ridicule for their visions, but they remained steadfast in their belief in the Virgin Mary and her messages of peace and love.

Their lives continue to inspire Catholics around the world to lead lives of faith, devotion, and compassion. The story of the Fatima seers has been retold in countless books, films, and songs, and their legacy remains a vital part of the Catholic tradition. They are the patron saints of children, the sick and of people suffering from illness or disease. They are also considered patrons of Portugal and are widely venerated by Catholics around the world.

The siblings were canonized by Pope Francis on May 13th, 2017, the 100th anniversary of the first apparition of the Virgin Mary at Fatima. Their feast day is celebrated on February 20th.

In his homily at their beatification, Pope St. John Paul II said these holy children of Fatima show us the fruits that can be borne of a total oblation to our Blessed Mother. "Devoting themselves with total generosity to the direction of such a good teacher, Jacinta and Francisco soon reached the heights of perfection," he said. He concluded by imploring, "May the message of their lives live on forever to light humanity’s way!"