The two secrets of Fatima, as revealed to three shepherd children in Portugal in 1917, are significant events described in visions and messages.
These secrets were part of a series of apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Lúcia dos Santos and her cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto in Cova da Iria, Fátima. They conveyed messages of prayer, repentance, and warnings about future events. The first two secrets were revealed to the children in July 1917.
Unveiling the Fatima Secrets
Based on accounts, including the details provided, the first two secrets focused on solemn warnings and prophecies concerning the world. Here's a breakdown:
| Secret | Description |
|---|---|
| First | A terrifying vision of hell. |
| Second | Prophecy regarding the end of World War I, the start of World War II, and a call for the conversion of Russia. |
Let's explore each one in more detail:
The First Secret: A Vision of Hell
The first secret was a vision of hell, with tormented souls in a sea of fire under the earth. This was described as a horrifying scene shown to the children, intended as a stark warning about the fate of souls who do not repent. It served as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of salvation.
- Key element: A terrifying glimpse into the suffering of lost souls.
- Purpose: To emphasize the reality of hell and the need for prayer and sacrifice for sinners.
The Second Secret: War and Russia's Conversion
The second secret was that World War I would end but another great war would begin (World War II would begin in 1939). This part of the secret foretold major global conflicts. Following this prophecy about future wars, the second secret also included a request for the people of Russia to convert to Catholicism. This plea for the conversion of Russia was a central theme, believed to be crucial for world peace and preventing the spread of ideologies harmful to faith.
- Components:
- Prediction of the end of WWI.
- Prophecy of the beginning of WWII.
- A specific call for the conversion of Russia.
- Significance: Linked global events to spiritual conditions and highlighted the importance of prayer and devotion (specifically, devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which was also a key part of the Fatima messages) for achieving peace.
These two secrets, revealed early in the Fatima apparitions, set a serious tone, calling humanity to prayer, repentance, and conversion in the face of grave spiritual and worldly dangers.
