Our Lady of Fatima and the three children

Today, October 13, we again remember Mama Mary and her sixth apparition in Fatima to the three children, 10-year-old Lucia dos Santos and her Marto cousins, nine-year-old Francisco and seven-year-old Jacinta.

The story of the three children and our Lady of Fatima is extremely fascinating and uplifting for believers. The children reported the various visits to them by an angel, and from May 13, 1917 until October 13 they said Mama Mary of the Holy Rosary appeared to them.

This is Lucia’s account during the sixth apparition in October 13, 2017:

“As on the other occasions, the seers first saw a bright light, and then they saw Our Lady over the holm oak. Lucia asked, “what does Your Grace wish of me?” Our Lady answered, “I wish to tell you that I want a chapel built here in my honor. I am the Lady of the Rosary. Continue to pray the Rosary every day. The war is going to end, and the soldiers will soon return to their homes.”

“Lucia replied, “I have many things to ask you: if you would cure some sick persons, and if you would convert some sinners and our Lady replied, “Some yes, others no. They must amend their lives and ask forgiveness for their sins.”

“Becoming sadder, she added, “Let them offend Our Lord no more, for He is already much offended.” Then, opening her hands, Our Lady shone the light issuing from them onto the sun, and as she rose, her own radiance continued to be cast onto the sun.” At that moment, Lúcia cried, “Look at the sun!”

Reports mentioned that on that day, October 13, 1917, there was “a huge crowd, possibly between 30,000 and 100,000 including reporters and photographers, gathered at Cova da Iria in Fatima, Portugal. Witnesses reported experiencing the so-called Miracle of the Sun there.

“According to accounts, after a period of rain, the dark clouds broke and the sun appeared as an opaque, spinning disc in the sky. It was said to be significantly duller than normal, and to cast multicolored lights across the landscape, the people, and the surrounding clouds. The sun was then reported to have careened towards the earth before zig-zagging back to its normal position. Witnesses reported that their previously wet clothes became suddenly and completely dry, as well as the wet and muddy ground that had been previously soaked because of the rain that had been falling.”

Why were children chosen to witness the apparitions?

Why not?

Did not the Lord say “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Today, October 13, aside from reciting the Holy Rosary, we are reminded of this beautiful song to Mama Mary which many of you may still be singing, especially during this month and for this particular day of October. Remember this song?

“Dear Lady of Fatima, we come on bended knee, to beg your intercession for peace and unity. Dear Mary, won't you show us the right and shining way? We pledge our love and offer you a rosary each day.”

“You promised at Fatima each time that you appeared, to help us if we pray to you to banish war and fear. Dear Lady, on first Saturdays we ask your guiding hand, for grace and guidance here on earth and protection for our land.”