Francisco Marto was born on June 11, 1908. He was the sixth of seventh children. Francisco was kind, gentle, mischievous, courageous; a lover of nature, animals, and having fun. He was also a peacemaker who liked to sit by himself and think. Francisco played a reed pipe and Jacinta and Lucia would dance when he played.
Francisco was only 9 years old when Our Lady appeared for the first time. While Lucia and Jacinta saw and heard Our Lady, Francisco only saw her and felt her presence. Since he never heard Our Lady’s words, Lucia and Jacinta would tell him what they heard.
After the apparitions ended, Francisco was sent to school, but he often missed out on his classes because he preferred to visit “the Hidden Jesus.” He was very dedicated to praying alone and to consoling the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. When people asked him what he wanted to do when he grew up, it is said that he answered,
“I don’t want to be anything. I want to die and go to Heaven.”
A Model of Innocence
Jacinta was born on March 11, 1910, two years after her brother, Francisco. She was affectionate, energetic, talkative, and graceful. Jacinta loved to dance, sing, and gather flowers which she would string into necklaces for Lucia.
When Jacinta was 5 years old, she cried learning about the Passion of the Lord she loved so much. She promised never to sin or offend Him.
Jacinta was happy, playful, and had many friends. Of all her friends, she loved her cousin, Lucia, the most. Jacinta was slightly spoiled and when she did not get her way, she would pout. When Lucia was sent to take her family’s sheep to pasture, Jacinta moped until her mother gave in and allowed Francisco and Jacinta to take some sheep and join Lucia in the pasture. Jacinta loved her sheep, gave them names, and carried the little ones. Most of all she loved spending time with Lucia and Francisco.
Our Lady’s visits profoundly affected Jacinta. After the first vision, Lucia swore Francisco and Jacinta to secrecy, but bubbly seven-year-old Jacinta told her family who then told the skeptical village. After this, Jacinta became very quiet and withdrawn, and promised never to reveal another secret.
The vision of Hell convinced Jacinta of the need to save sinners through penance and sacrifices. The three children would often go without food or water, feeding their lunches to the sheep. The mockery of the villagers and the pressure to reveal Our Lady’s secrets were also a penance.
Before she died, Jacinta told Lucia that Our Lady appeared to her privately several more times.
The End Comes Fast for Francisco and Jacinta
In August of 1918, Francisco and Jacinta became victims of the great Flu Pandemic of 1918.
In October of 1918, Jacinta told Lucia that Our Lady had appeared to her and promised to take her and Francisco to Heaven soon.
Francisco did not wish to be taken to a hospital, and on April 3, 1919, he received his First Communion. On April 4, 1919, Francisco died at the age of 10.
When Jacinta became sick, she was moved to a nearby hospital. Jacinta knew all efforts to save her were useless, because Our Lady had warned her that she would go to two hospitals, not be cured, and suffer much for the reparation of sinners and the love of God. Jacinta never complained, saying in her own words:
“Oh, how much I love to suffer for love of Our Lord and Our Lady. They greatly love those who suffer for the conversion of sinners.”
After a few months, Jacinta returned home. She then contracted Tuberculosis, and was moved to a Catholic orphanage. Jacinta was then moved to a second hospital, where she died alone, as she often said she would, at the age of 9 on February 20, 1920.
The Road to Sainthood
After a long delay because of their youth, Francisco and Jacinta were beatified on May 13, 2000 by Pope John Paul II. They were then canonized on May 13, 2017, by Pope Francis on the centenary of the first Fatima apparition. Francisco and Jacinta are considered the patrons of bodily ills, Portuguese children, prisoners, and sick people. Their feast day is celebrated on February 20!
These two young shepherd children, together with their cousin, Lucia, can remind us that we are all called to be saints, and that holiness is for everyone – even children!
“Don’t lose heart. I will never forsake you. My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the way that will lead you to God.” – Our Lady of Fatima
February 20th Sts. Francisco & Jacinta Marto
Moderators:Johnna, MarieT, Denise, KarlB
Devotion to the souls in Purgatory contains in itself all the works of mercy, which supernaturalized by a spirit of faith, should merit us Heaven. de Sales