16th century
Feast: February 20
One of the three shepherd children who saw Our Lady at Fatima and died young in holiness.
Francisco Marto (1908-1919) was one of the three shepherd children who witnessed the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima in 1917. Unlike his sister Jacinta and cousin Lucia, he could see Mary but not hear her speak. He was deeply moved by the vision of the Sacred Heart and dedicated himself to prayer and consoling Jesus. He died at age 10 during the Spanish flu pandemic, fulfilling Marys prediction. His simple faith and desire to comfort Jesus touched countless hearts worldwide.