On October 13, 1917, one of the most extraordinary events in modern Catholic history took place: the Miracle of the Sun at Fatima, Portugal. This event, witnessed by tens of thousands of people, marked the culmination of a series of Marian apparitions to three shepherd children—Lucia dos Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto. Our Lady of Fatima’s messages and the accompanying miracle remain a central part of Catholic spirituality, especially for those devoted to Mary.
The apparitions at Fatima are not only significant for the Miracle of the Sun but also for the profound messages and prophecies conveyed, particularly the “Three Secrets of Fatima.” In this post, we will explore the historical context of these apparitions, the miracle itself, and the third secret, as well as the spiritual implications they hold for Catholics today.
The Apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima
In 1916, an angel, known as the Angel of Peace, appeared to three young shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. The angel instructed them in prayer and penance. However, it wasn’t until the following year that they experienced the most significant apparitions—those of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Between May 13 and October 13, 1917, Our Lady of Fatima appeared to the children six times. During these visits, Mary gave them messages about prayer, repentance, and the need for conversion. She also foretold events that would shake the world, including the end of World War I and the rise of communism, calling for prayers for the conversion of Russia. The apparitions culminated with the famous Miracle of the Sun.
The Miracle of the Sun: October 13, 1917
On the morning of October 13, 1917, an estimated 70,000 people gathered in the Cova da Iria to witness what Our Lady had promised as a sign that would validate her apparitions. It had rained throughout the morning, and the ground was muddy, but the faithful, skeptics, and journalists alike stood by, hoping to witness something extraordinary.
At noon, after the recitation of the Rosary, the rain stopped, and the clouds parted, revealing the sun. Witnesses described the sun as spinning, changing colors, and moving in an erratic pattern. Some reported that the sun appeared to plummet toward the earth, only to return to its place in the sky. This phenomenon, now known as the Miracle of the Sun, lasted for about 10 minutes and was observed from miles away:
The crowd looking at “the Miracle of the Sun”, occurred during the Our Lady of Fatima apparitions. Source: Illustracao Portugueza
More: https://belovedcatholic.com/our-lady-of-fatima-miracle-of-the-sun/
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