How to teach kids about the miracle at Fatima

It’s been over 100 years since Our Lady first appeared to three shepherd children at Fatima in Portugal, but her message has never seemed more relevant, especially her calls to pray for the conversion of Russia.

She asked the children to spread the First Saturday devotion specifically for the purpose of praying for the conversion of Russia. She also asked for Russia to be consecrated to her Immaculate Heart.

At one time, Our Lady’s messages about Russia might have sounded a bit excessive to those of us born after the Cold War. But now it seems that we’re seeing the foresight and wisdom of her warning. 

Pope Francis announced that he will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25, 2022. Surely all of our prayers will accompany him. 

We can also ask our children to pray, whether our own kids and grandchildren, or our students in school or religious education classroom. We can share with them the story that inspired this major event. 

Here are 3 ways to tell our children the story of Our Lady of Fatima, so they can understand what’s going on with Pope Francis’ Consecration of Russia and Ukraine.  (You can find many more hands-on activities about Our Lady of Fatima over at Catholic Icing.) 

Share a book with your children to explain the apparitions. You could read it aloud to them, or older kids can read it on their own and chat about it with you afterward.

Our Lady’s Message to Three Shepherd Children and the World by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle is a wonderful, straightforward retelling of the Fatima apparitions. 

There’s also a graphic novel about the apparitions and a chapter book for older children.

I grew up watching The Day the Sun Danced, a children’s movie about Fatima (anyone else remember this one?). It’s an easy and reliable way to share the story with kids of all ages. (Just a heads' up that there are some scary scenes, in case you have sensitive little viewers!)

Another movie about Fatima, probably more suited to older children, is a recent film that came out in 2021 called Fatima.

I also found this short video about the Fatima apparitions on YouTube if you’re in a pinch.

The Rosary is a spiritual weapon, and surely it’s needed now! We can all join in prayer for conversion of hearts and peace in our world, and include prayers that came from Fatima. You can also include the Fatima decade prayer in your school day with this handy printable from Catholic Icing.