Foundation of the 'League of Prayer and Sacrifice'

According to Canon Law, for a servant of God who is not a martyr to be raised to the honour of the altars, the heroicity of his or her virtues has first to be demonstrated by means of a very rigorous process. A scientifically proved miracle obtained through the intercession of the Servant of God is required for Beatification. In the case of Francisco and Jacinta, the League of Prayer and Sacrifice was founded which, over many years, has been supported by the prayers and sacrifices of many of the faithful.

Hundreds of thousands of registration forms were sent by the Office to all parts of the world. As a result, not only were thousands of requests to subscribe received, but also hundreds of letters expressing approval of the League on the part of Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops in their dioceses.
Once the Little Shepherds had been beatified, the League continued in existence. Its members continue to pray and make sacrifices in order to obtain, now, the canonisation of Blessed Francisco and Jacinta.

Those who subscribe to the League undertake:

1. to practise the virtues that characterised Francisco and Jacinta Marto.

2. to pray and make sacrifices, asking God for the canonisation of the two Visionaries.

3. to turn to Francisco and Jacinta at times of spiritual or temporal difficulty, asking them to secure the graces or the miracle required for their canonisation.

At the present time, thousands of pilgrims come to Fatima, pray by the tombs of Francisco and Jacinta and visit the house where they were born. Others write to inform the Postulation Office of the graces that have been received through the intercession of the two little Shepherds. These graces cover a wide range of circumstances: help at times of illness and operations, finding a house to live in or regular employment, good school results, protection in accidents, childbirth, legal proceedings, satisfactory marriages, help at times of spiritual trial, return to the Church, or home, matrimonial harmony, the solving of economic problems, overcoming drug or alcohol abuse, etc.

Until the year 2000, the principal intention was to secure the miracle required for the Beatification. Now a new miracle is being asked for, to secure the canonisation of the two little Shepherds who have already been beatified.