The Angel of Fatima: The Shepherds' Divine Preparation

The Preparation

The angel appeared three times to the shepherds of Fatima, preparing them for the future apparitions of Our Lady and elevating them to a supernatural state through Communion. During the third apparition, the angel gave Lucy Communion with a Host from which a drop of blood fell into a chalice. Francesco and Jacinta, not having made their First Holy Communion, were offered the contents of the chalice. The angel told them: "Eat and drink the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, terribly outraged by the ingratitude of men. Offer reparation for their sakes and console your God."

First Apparition of the Angel

The first apparition took place in the spring of 1916. Lucy recounted, "We were playing in the fields when we saw, in the distance, a light whiter than snow. As it came closer, it took the form of a young man, around 14 or 15 years old, who was very beautiful. We were surprised and unable to speak. He reached us and said, 'Do not be afraid. I am the Angel of Peace. Pray with me.'

He knelt, bending his forehead to the ground. We followed his example, and he led us in a prayer, 'My God, I believe, I adore, I hope, and I love You. I ask pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope, and do not love You.' The angel instructed us to pray this way, saying, 'The hearts of Jesus and Mary are attentive to your prayers.' Then he disappeared, leaving us in a profound, supernatural atmosphere."

Second Apparition of the Angel

The second apparition occurred later that summer. The angel appeared again and asked, "What are you doing? You must pray! Pray a lot! The hearts of Jesus and Mary have merciful designs for you. You must constantly offer your prayers and sacrifices to God, the Most High."

I asked, "How are we to sacrifice?" The angel replied, "In every possible way, offer sacrifices to God in reparation for the sins by which He is offended and in supplication for the conversion of sinners. In this way, you will bring peace to your country. I am the Guardian Angel of Portugal. Above all, bear and accept with submission the sufferings God will send you." Then he disappeared, leaving us with a deeper understanding of God’s love and the value of sacrifice.

Third Apparition of the Angel

The third and final apparition happened in the autumn. Lucy described, "We saw the angel holding a chalice in his left hand, and above it was a Host from which drops of blood fell into the chalice. He knelt near us and repeated three times, 'Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I adore You profoundly, and I offer You the Most Precious Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles of the world, in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges, and indifferences by which He is offended. And by the infinite merits of His Most Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg the conversion of poor sinners.'

After this, he rose, took the chalice and the Host, and gave the Host to me. He offered the contents of the chalice to Jacinta and Francesco, saying, 'Eat and drink the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, terribly outraged by the ingratitude of men. Offer reparation for their sakes and console God.' Then he disappeared."

These angelic apparitions profoundly impacted the shepherds, preparing them for their future encounters with Our Lady and deepening their spiritual understanding and commitment.