The newspaper ‘Voice of Fatima’ was created on May 4, 1922, with the purpose of publishing all the news and information concerning the events at Fatima.
Newsroom – Portugal – Fatima (October 19, 2021, 9:30 PM, Gaudium Press) The celebrations for the official centennial newspaper of the Shrine of Fatima have begun. The periodical ‘Voice of Fatima’ has been published monthly since October 13, 1922.
Commenting on these celebrations, which will take place between October 2021 and October 2022, the rector of the Shrine of Fatima explained that “Fatima will celebrate the centennial of its newspaper, of its Voice. A voice that connected the country from north to south and that connected us to the whole world, with particular emphasis on the devotees of Our Lady, who read us all over the world.”
Increase in the number of pages and commemorative stamp
During this period, in addition to the increase in the number of pages, from 12 to 16, the editions of the newspaper will have a commemorative stamp for the centennial, which will accompany all editions until October 2022.
Another initiative that will be carried out, is a mural exhibition, in the alleys that flank the Prayer Enclosure, which will display the first pages of the first year’s editions of the newspaper, trying, at the same time, to bring back some of the pages that contain outstanding themes of the life of this Shrine throughout the hundred years of the newspaper.
Meeting of academics, children’s edition, and scientific publication
Experts from academia and those responsible for the Christian-inspired press will gather in April 2022 at a meeting entitled “The World Seen from Fatima – Communication Days in the Context of the 100th Anniversary of the Voice of Fatima Newspaper.” During the event, the role of Catholic journalism in the construction of modern Portugal will be debated.
The June edition will be entirely dedicated to the youngest readers, following the rubric “Fatima of the little ones” being written, edited, and published by Catholic children from all over the country. Finally, a scientific publication about the newspaper will be created, with the participation of researchers from several Portuguese universities.
History of the newspaper ‘Voice of Fatima”
The newspaper ‘Voice of Fatima’ was created on May 4, 1922, by a canonical commission appointed by Bishop José Alves Correia da Silva that met in the Portuguese city of Leiria to investigate the events of 1917. The purpose of the monthly publication was to publish all the news and information concerning the events of Fatima and, specifically, the apparitions.
The initial print run was 6 thousand copies, reaching almost 250 thousand in July 1954, mainly due to the increase in the number of devotees of Our Lady of Fatima in several countries around the world. The current edition is 62 thousand copies. Since 2005, the Voice of Fatima has been available on the Shrine’s website. (EPC)
Compiled by Sarah Gangl
