The Miracle of the Sun, October 13, 1917

Introduction:

One of the most significant religious events in modern history took place on October 13, 1917. A crowd of approximately 70,000 people, varying from believers to skeptics, gathered in the rural town of Fatima, Portugal, where three young shepherd children had predicted a miracle would occur. This historic event, known as the Miracle of the Sun, led to a dramatic shift in public opinion concerning the veracity of the children’s visions and would forever influence the spiritual and cultural history of Portugal.

Core Event:

Months before October 13, Lucia dos Santos and her two younger cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto, claimed to have witnessed apparitions of the Virgin Mary, referred to as Our Lady of Fatima. The Lady promised the children that she would perform a miracle in October so that everyone would believe.

On October 13, despite dreadful rain-soaked conditions, a large crowd gathered. Suddenly, the rain stopped, the clouds parted, and the sun appeared as an opaque, spinning disk in the sky. It was less bright than usual and cast multicolored lights across the landscape, the people, and the surrounding clouds. The sun then careened towards earth, causing many in the crowd to fear the end of the world, before zig-zagging back to its normal position.

Impacts and Aftermath:

The event led to a massive upswing in belief in the apparitions, with Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta revered as visionaries. Since then, millions of Catholic pilgrims from around the world have visited Fatima, turning the once obscure rural town into one of the world’s most significant sanctuaries.

Portugal declared October 13 as a national holiday, known as the Day of Portugal. The Miracle also influenced the Catholic Church globally, and Popes, including Pope Pius XII, Pope John XXIII, Pope John Paul II, and Pope Francis, acknowledged and celebrated it.

Fun Fact Section For Kids:

Did you know that two of the children who witnessed the apparition, Francisco and Jacinta Marto, became the youngest non-martyred children ever to be canonized (declared saints) in the Catholic Church?

Educational Activities for Kids:

1. Drawing Contest: Engage children in a drawing contest, asking them to envision and create an image of the Miracle of the Sun.
2. Research Task: Encourage children to research more about Our Lady of Fatima and create a fact sheet.
3. Drama Play: Organize a play where children get to act out the events leading to the Miracle of the Sun.

Conclusion:

The Miracle of the Sun remains an iconic religious event in history. Despite skepticism and scientific attempts to explain the phenomenon, it holds an enduring grip on the faith of millions. The day is a testament to the enduring belief in miracles, apparitions, and the profound impact such phenomena can have on the cultural and spiritual ethos of societies.

References:

1. De Marchi, John. (1952). “The True Story of Fatima”. St. Paul, MN: Catechetical Guild Educational Society.
2. Walsh, William Thomas. (1947). “Our Lady of Fatima”. Image.
3. Santos, Lucia. (1993). “Fatima in Lucia’s Own Words”. Secretariado dos Pastorinhos.