THE FIRST APPARITION OF FATIMA: MAY 13, 1917 

A flash of lighting came and the three children of Fatima saw our Lady. Lucia 10 years old, Fransico 9 years old and Jacinta 7 years old. Our Lady was dressed in white, more brilliant than the sun. Then she spoke: “Do not fear; I will not harm you,” “Where do you come from asked Lucia, and what do you want of me?” Our Lady replied; “I come from Heaven and I ask you to come here six months in succession, on the 13th, at the same time. Then, I will tell you who I am and what I want.” Lucia asked: “am I going to heaven?” “Yes, you are.” “And Jacinta?” “She too,” “and Francisco?” “He, too, but he must pray many Rosaries.” Our Lady continued, “do you want to offer yourselves to God to bear all the sufferings which He wants to send you, as an act of reparation for the sins which offend Him and as pleas for the conversion of sinners?” “Yes we do.” “you will have a lot to suffer then, but God’s Grace will be your comfort.” “pray the Rosary every day, to obtain peace for the world and the end of the war.” Then she started to ascend, going toward the east until she disappeared in space. The three children decided to keep this a secret and not tell anyone! But Jacinta, could not remain quiet, and told the story. Lucia’s mother reacted in a most severe manner when the news reached her house; she accused her daughter of lying. The happiness of Lucia’s home life ended at this point; the reaction of her own family was the beginning of the suffering foretold by our Lady.

Written by Rev. Robert J. Fox