Fatima Friends Adventure Guide

Alexis Dallara-Marsh reviews a new book by Cathy Gilmore that introduces the Marian apparitions at Fatima to young readers.

Fatima Friends Adventure Guide

by Cathy Gilmore & Yorris Handoko

My niece is named after Saint Jacinta, who until very recently was the youngest person to be declared a saint. Both my sister and I have been surprised at how few people, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, know who Jacinta Marto was. Jacinta was one of three shepherd children to whom Mary the Mother of God appeared to in 1917 in Portugal. This apparition is referred to as Our Lady of Fatima. I think, however, perhaps Mary’s appearance as Our Lady of Fatima is the most well known of all the Marian appartions of the 20th century, so it’s definitely important to know more! 

The recently published Fatima Friends Adventure Guide by Cathy Gilmore and Yorris Handoko is a true treasure introducing both young and old to Saint Jacinta, her brother Saint Francisco, and cousin Venerable Sister Lucia in an easy and comprehensive way. This very in-depth manual has a wide variety of activities to engage elementary school-aged children, including crafts, song links, drawing space, puzzles such as crosswords and hidden pictures, a recipe, and a scavenger hunt.

The book is extremely interactive, offering the reader the opportunity to embark on five challenges, each with goals to improve comfort with praying, build character and strength, while also playing. "Super Saturdays," teaching one of the importance of the first Saturday of the month in honoring Mary, are highlighted in creative ways by being labeled as a "power surge" or "power up," as if a child was playing a video game. Examples of fun play ideas such as a cookie Rosary, LEGO bridge, and playing "Mother, May I" to encourage little ones to be closer to Our Lady. Soul emoji are discussed as a way to help the reader identify people to pray for.  

In Ms. Gilmore’s book there is a wealth of information on topics not just related to Our Lady of Fatima but on Catholic doctrine in general, ranging from the Immaculate Conception and Sacraments to the Brown Scapular and Divine Mercy Chaplet. I found the visuals outstanding in how welcoming and child-friendly everything was, being lively yet peaceful.

While the book is marketed toward younger children, as an adult, I myself found I was also learning so much about my Catholic faith, particularly new prayers. I would highly recommend every family have a copy of this manual in their household to share with their children. I am confident its contents will help to save many souls. 

To order Fatima Friends Adventure Guide, visit BlueArmy.com/Youth or ShopFatima.com. 

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Copyright 2025 Alexis Dallara-Marsh
Images: copyright 2024 World Apostolate of Fatima -USA, All rights reserved, used with permission.