Few devotions are as Portuguese, and at the same time so universal, as Our Lady of Fátima. Every year, millions of pilgrims from all over the world arrive at Cova da Iria. We also hold a special affection for her, and that is why we have designed a collection of medals dedicated to her. We tell you her story.
The apparitions of 1917
On May 13, 1917, three children who were tending the flock at Cova da Iria, near Fátima, saw “a Lady more brilliant than the sun”: 10-year-old Lúcia, and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto, aged 9 and 7. The Lady asked them to return on the 13th of every month, and so it happened until October.
At the last apparition, on October 13, 1917, thousands of people gathered at Cova da Iria witnessed the so-called Miracle of the Sun. On that day, the Lady presented herself as “the Lady of the Rosary”.
The message of Fátima
The message is simple and remains relevant: pray the rosary every day, for peace in the world, for conversion, and for those who suffer, offer small sacrifices, and trust in the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Francisco and Jacinta died very young and were canonized by Pope Francis in Fátima on May 13, 2017, on the centenary of the apparitions. Sister Lúcia lived as a Carmelite nun until 2005.
May 13 and the great pilgrimages
The great pilgrimages take place on May 12 and 13 and on October 12 and 13. On the night of the 12th, the Candlelight Procession fills the Sanctuary with light; on the 13th, the Farewell Procession, with thousands of white handkerchiefs, is one of the most moving images of Portuguese faith. Many pilgrims make the journey on foot, for days, to fulfill a promise.
A prayer to Our Lady of Fátima
Our Lady of Fátima, Mother of God and our Mother, who asked the little shepherds for prayer and peace: take care of my family, comfort those who suffer, and teach me to trust in God at all times. Amen.
How to choose your Fátima medal
Our Our Lady of Fátima medals are oval, double-sided, with openwork and fine details, handmade in Spain and plated in 18K gold. Some ideas for choosing:
- For everyday wear: the pearl ones with pearl-white or navy blue enamel, classic and easy to match.
- For a special gift: the ruby, sapphire, and garnet enamel one, the most striking.
- For those who like color: turquoise, lapis lazuli, or fluorite with lilac enamel.
They are perfect for a Fátima on May 13, for a First Communion, or for those who have already made a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary. Each medal comes with a 40 cm chain + 5 cm extension, an exclusive illustration with its story, and comes wrapped as a gift. We ship to Portugal for €5.95.
Take Our Lady of Fátima with you
The most beautiful medals in the world are at Khartes.
Marian and Bárbara
The most beautiful medals are at www.khartesmadrid.com. Follow us on Instagram: @khartesmadrid.