In 1917 while the rest of the world was at war in a tiny hamlet of the Portuguese countryside three young children had a vision of Our Lady. That apparition on the 13th May sparked off the devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, an inspiration for millions to work and pray for peace.

Since that time not only have millions prayed the Rosary and done penance but have made the pilgrimage to Fatima. Among them Saint John Paul II who as we know believed it was through her intercession that his life was spared when he was shot at in Saint Peter’s Square.

The last time he went to Fatima on pilgrimage was on the 13th May 2000 during the Jubilee Year when he entrusted the third millennium to her Immaculate heart.

Veronica Scarisbrick witnessed this event which was attended by the last of the shepherd children Lucia, who has since passed away. In this programme you can listen to a recording of her little voice as well as to one of a rather frail voice of John Paul II as he beatifies the other two children Jacinta and Francisco Marto.

On this occasion the Polish Pontiff asked his Secretary of State, Cardinal Angelo Sodano to reveal the so called third secret of Fatima.