On Saturday, May 13, Pope Francis will travel to Fatima, Portugal, to bestow sainthood on Francisco and Jacinta Marto. They were two of the three shepherd children who captured the world's attention 100 years ago by witnessing appearances from the Blessed Mother six times, on the 13th of each month from May to October of 1917, each time exhorting them to "Pray, pray, pray."

Pope Francis has announced that the Catholic Church will celebrate a Jubilee Year of Fatima until Nov. 26 that includes a plenary indulgence.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Fatima appearance, Bishop Richard J. Malone will celebrate 10:30 a.m. Mass in honor of Our Lady of Fatima on Sunday, May 14, at St. Joseph Cathedral, 50 Franklin St., Buffalo.

On Saturday, May 13, Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, 1023 Swann Road, Youngstown, will mark the opening of the 100th anniversary of the Fatima apparitions with a rosary procession at 3 p.m., and a solemn Mass offered by Bishop Malone at 4 p.m.  Three new bronze statues of the three children will also be dedicated this day.

Also in honor of this special anniversary, beginning on Saturday, May 13, Sacred Heart Parish, 5337 Genesee St., Bowmansville, will host a special Mass, followed by the rosary and meditations on the 13th of every month at 7 p.m., from May to October.

This a great opportunity to be present before one of the first statues made of Our Lady of Fatima. José Thedim, reflecting the precise instructions of Sister Lucia, sculpted it in 1947. Father Earl Kleis, pastor of Sacred Heart in 1947, visited the famous sculptor in Portugal. Impressed by Father Kleis' devotion, the sculptor offered him the statue. For nearly 70 years, the statue has resided at the side altar in Sacred Heart and will be moved for special devotion during the celebration.