Francisco and Jacinta Marto

Francisco and Jacinta Marto were siblings born in Aljustrel, a quaint hamlet near Fátima, Portugal. Their lives took a remarkable turn in the early twentieth century when, alongside their cousin Lúcia dos Santos, they experienced three apparitions of the Angel of Peace in 1916. This extraordinary event was followed by several apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Cova da Iria in 1917, which would forever change the landscape of Catholic devotion.

The apparitions led to the Virgin Mary being honored with the title Our Lady of Fátima, and the Sanctuary of Fátima emerged as a significant center for global Catholic pilgrimage. The messages conveyed during these apparitions resonated deeply with the faithful, drawing millions to the site over the years.

In recognition of their profound impact on the Catholic Church and their unwavering faith, Francisco and Jacinta were canonized by Pope Francis on 13 May 2017, coinciding with the centennial of the first apparition. This momentous occasion marked them as the youngest Catholic saints, with Jacinta holding the distinction of being the youngest non-martyr saint in history.