Why did Our Lady of Fatima Mention Russia?

Let us remember that when Our Lady appeared in 1917, "the Ukraine" was part of Russia as one of the Tsar's dominions. Tsar Nicholas II abdicated on March 15, 1917. He returned to Tsarskoe Seloe where his children were recovering from measles. The family began to pray the Akathist hymn to Our Lady every day. In less than two months, on May 13, Our Lady appeared at Fatima. On July 13, 1917, Our Lady revealed the three secrets, including the request for the Pope to consecrate Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. A year and three days later, the Russian Imperial family were murdered in Ekaterinburg. From Aleteia:

During World War I, the people of Russia were starving and their economy was in shambles. Their army was no match for Germany and led to enormous casualties. This increased animosity towards the government and a desire for a solution.

Rioting erupted in Russia, including what is now called the “February Revolution” (Russia at the time used the Julian Calendar). It took place on March 8, 1917, and led to the abdication of Czar Nicholas II on March 15, 1917.

It was the beginning of an even greater movement, as it facilitated Vladimir Lenin‘s rise to power. Lenin was a disciple of Karl Marx and was ready to introduce his own version of Marxism in Russia, beginning with a socialist revolution.

His version of communism would devastate Russia for decades to come and would spread to many other countries throughout the world.

For example, in 1921 China adopted communism, directly influenced by the revolution that occurred in Russia.

When Our Lady of Fatima appeared on May 13, 1917, the world was aware of the February Revolution, but not of the communist rise to power that would grip the world.

It wasn’t until Our Lady appeared on July 13, 1917, that she spoke to the children at Fatima about Russia.

To prevent [another World War], I shall come to ask for the consecration of Russia to my Immaculate Heart and the Communion of reparation on the first Saturdays.

If people attend to my requests, Russia will be converted and the world will have peace. If not, she [Russia] will scatter her errors throughout the world, provoking wars and persecutions of the Church. The good will be martyred, the Holy Father will have much to suffer, and various nations will be destroyed.

“In the end my Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me; it will be converted, and a certain period of peace will be granted to the world. In Portugal the dogmas of the Faith will always be kept.”

The little children at Fatima could have never thought of the damage the Russian government and its communist philosophy could inflict upon the world.

Yet, that is exactly what happened as World War II shattered lives and ushered in a new reign of terror under the Soviet Union. (Read more.)

The text of the Consecration which will be made today is HERE.

The Russian Imperial Family

Prayer is not magic. A consecration is not a magical spell. Our Lady is a mother, not a high school algebra teacher. Russia is finally going to be mentioned by name in a consecration to the Immaculate Heart. Let us the Church militant, united with the Church triumphant and Church suffering, pray for a shower of grace upon the world. Once the prophet Elias prayed for rain to end Israel's drought, and the rain came.

Share