Our Lady of Fatima and the Miracle of the Sun: October 13, 1917

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

What made the event even more compelling was that the witnesses experienced it without suffering any eye damage, and many reported that their previously soaked clothes were suddenly dry. Secular newspapers, including the Portuguese newspaper O Século, reported the event, providing firsthand accounts from both believers and non-believers who witnessed the inexplicable phenomenon:

A page from Ilustração Portuguesa, October 29, 1917. Source: Ilustração Portuguesa

While the Miracle of the Sun was a physical sign meant to strengthen faith in the authenticity of the apparitions, its real purpose was to highlight the messages that Mary had been giving to the children.

The Message of Fatima

The core message of Fatima revolves around the themes of prayer, repentance, and consecration. Our Lady repeatedly emphasized the need for the world to pray the Rosary daily, make sacrifices for the conversion of sinners, and do penance for the offenses against God. She warned of a great punishment if people did not turn away from sin and return to God.

Mary also asked for the consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart, predicting that if this was not done, Russia would spread its “errors” across the world, resulting in wars and persecutions of the Church.

Throughout the apparitions, Mary stressed the need for devotion to her Immaculate Heart. She explained that this devotion, along with the daily recitation of the Rosary, could bring about peace in the world and the salvation of many souls.

The Three Secrets of Fatima

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Fatima apparitions is the revelation of three secrets. These secrets, given to the children by Our Lady during the July 13, 1917 apparition, contain prophecies and warnings for the world.

The First Secret: A Vision of Hell

The first secret was a terrifying vision of hell. Our Lady allowed the children to glimpse the suffering of souls who had rejected God and were condemned to eternal punishment. The vision was meant to instill in the children, and by extension all of humanity, the urgency of prayer and conversion. Mary emphasized the need to pray for the conversion of sinners to prevent souls from going to hell.

The Second Secret: World War, Communism, and the Consecration of Russia

The second secret was a prophetic vision of future events, particularly the end of World War I and the rise of communism. Mary predicted that another, more terrible war (World War II) would occur if people did not cease offending God. She also warned that Russia would spread its errors, leading to persecution of the Church and wars unless the country was consecrated to her Immaculate Heart.

In 1929, Our Lady appeared to Sr. Lucia (one of the visionaries) again, reiterating her request for the consecration of Russia. The consecration of Russia, according to Mary, was essential for world peace. While various Popes have performed consecrations of the world to Mary’s Immaculate Heart, the specific consecration of Russia was the subject of much debate until Pope John Paul II’s act of consecration in 1984.

The Third Secret of Fatima

The third secret remained a mystery for many decades. It was not revealed to the public until the year 2000, under the direction of Pope John Paul II. When it was finally disclosed, it depicted a vision of the persecution of the Church, symbolized by the assassination of a “bishop dressed in white.” The vision described soldiers firing bullets and arrows at the bishop, who eventually falls, along with other clergy, religious, and laypeople.

This vision was interpreted as a prophecy of the 20th-century sufferings of the Church, including the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II on May 13, 1981, the feast of Our Lady of Fatima. The Pope himself attributed his survival to the intervention of Our Lady of Fatima, noting that

“One hand pulled the trigger, but another guided the bullet.”

While the Church has not offered a definitive interpretation of the third secret, it is widely understood as a call for continued prayer and penance in the face of suffering and evil in the world.

Father John De Marchi: Preserving the Legacy of Fátima

Father John De Marchi, an Italian Catholic priest and researcher, played a crucial role in preserving the details of the events reported at Fátima. Between 1943 and 1950, Father De Marchi spent seven years in Fátima, meticulously documenting the apparitions of the Virgin Mary as reported by the visionaries—Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta. During his time there, he conducted extensive interviews with key witnesses, including the visionaries themselves, ensuring the accounts were preserved as accurately as possible.

Father De Marchi’s work provided critical insight into the Miracle of the Sun, which occurred on October 13, 1917, and was witnessed by tens of thousands of people. He recorded detailed descriptions from those present, noting how the sun seemed to spin, change colors, and move erratically in the sky before returning to its normal state. His research validated the authenticity of the testimonies and contributed significantly to the understanding and acceptance of the Fátima apparitions by the Catholic Church.

De Marchi’s interviews and observations were compiled into his book, The Immaculate Heart, which remains one of the most authoritative sources on Fátima. His dedicated research helped clarify the spiritual messages conveyed by the Virgin Mary, emphasizing the importance of prayer, repentance, and devotion to her Immaculate Heart. Through his detailed work, Father De Marchi ensured that the events at Fátima were faithfully preserved for future generations, deepening the Church’s appreciation for the messages given to the world through these apparitions.

The Spiritual Significance of Fatima

The apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima hold deep spiritual significance for Catholics. At their heart, they are a call to holiness, conversion, and faithfulness to God. The central message—prayer, especially the Rosary, and penance—remains relevant today, just as it was in 1917:

Fatima also emphasizes the maternal role of Mary in guiding the Church through difficult times. Her Immaculate Heart, which she asked to be honored and venerated, serves as a refuge for sinners and a model of perfect discipleship. Through her messages, she offers hope to a world that continues to experience war, suffering, and moral decline.

Personal Reflection: How Fatima Inspired My Spiritual Journey

Like many Catholics, my devotion to Our Lady of Fatima began with hearing the powerful story of the Miracle of the Sun. However, what struck me most profoundly was the deep love and concern that Mary has for all of humanity. The vision of hell shared in the first secret reminded me of the urgency of prayer—not just for myself but for the conversion of others.

My personal devotion to Our Lady has grown over the years, particularly through praying the Rosary. Fatima has deepened my understanding of the importance of consecrating myself to Mary’s Immaculate Heart, trusting in her intercession to bring me closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.

Conclusion: The Enduring Message of Fatima

The events of October 13, 1917, and the messages of Our Lady of Fatima continue to inspire and challenge Catholics today. The Miracle of the Sun was a remarkable sign, but it points to an even greater reality—the urgent need for conversion, prayer, and penance in our lives. The secrets of Fatima, especially the third secret, remind us that the Church will always face trials, but with the guidance of Our Lady, we can persevere in faith.

Our Lady of Fatima calls us to turn away from sin, to pray for the salvation of souls, and to trust in the promises of her Immaculate Heart. As we continue our own spiritual journeys, may we respond to her call with the same courage and faith as the three young shepherds.

In this tumultuous world, the message of Fatima remains a beacon of hope, reminding us that with Mary as our guide, we can navigate the challenges of life and remain faithful to Christ.

Fatima Official Website – The Shrine of Fatima’s official site provides detailed information on the events, messages, and miracles associated with Fatima. It is a primary source for pilgrims and devotees interested in the significance of the apparitions.