The veneration of Our Lady of Fatima is linked to the Marian apparitions that occurred in 1917 in Cova da Iria, Portugal, to three young shepherd children: Lucia dos Santos, Jacinta and Francisco Marto. The Virgin Mary appeared to them six times between May and October, inviting them to prayer, penance and the recitation of the Rosary for the conversion of sinners and peace in the world. Among the most significant messages, the request for the consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart and the revelation of three "secrets" that foreshadowed future events and the importance of prayer to avoid great suffering. The cult spread rapidly throughout the world, with millions of faithful who go on pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Fatima and invoke her intercession for peace and conversion.