On October 13, the Miracle of the Sun, also widely known as the Miracle of Fátima, is reported to have occurred. This extraordinary series of events took place on October 13, 1917, in Fátima, Portugal, drawing the attention of a large crowd who had gathered in response to a prophecy made by three shepherd children.
The Phenomenon of the Miracle of the Sun
The Miracle of the Sun is one of the most significant and widely discussed events in modern religious history. It represents the culmination of a series of Marian apparitions reported by three young children—Lúcia Santos and Francisco (along with Jacinta Marto)—in the fields of Cova da Iria near Fátima, Portugal, beginning in May 1917. These children claimed that the Virgin Mary appeared to them six times, promising a miracle for their final apparition on October 13th, so that people would believe.
Key Aspects of the Miracle
- Date and Location: The event took place on October 13, 1917, in Fátima, Portugal. This location has since become a major pilgrimage site.
- Witnesses: Tens of thousands of people, including journalists, skeptics, and believers, gathered at the site. Estimates range from 30,000 to 100,000 onlookers.
- Reported Events: According to numerous eyewitness accounts, after a period of torrential rain, the clouds parted, and the sun appeared as an opaque, spinning disc in the sky. It reportedly performed extraordinary movements, appearing to "dance" or zig-zag, emit radiant colors, and even descend towards the earth before returning to its normal position. Many also reported that their previously soaked clothes and the muddy ground became completely dry almost instantly.
- Origin of Prophecy: The prophecy for this public miracle originated from three young shepherd children: Lúcia Santos, Francisco Marto, and his sister, Jacinta Marto. They claimed to have received messages and prophecies from the Virgin Mary, culminating in the promise of a public sign on October 13th.
Historical Context and Significance
The events of October 13, 1917, unfolded against the backdrop of World War I, a period of immense global turmoil. The apparitions and the subsequent miracle were interpreted by many as a divine intervention, offering a message of peace, repentance, and prayer.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event Name | The Miracle of the Sun / The Miracle of Fátima |
| Date | October 13, 1917 |
| Location | Fátima, Portugal |
| Primary Figures | Three shepherd children (Lúcia Santos, Francisco Marto, Jacinta Marto) |
| Witnesses | Tens of thousands of people |
| Reported Events | Sun appearing to "dance," change colors, and descend; instantaneous drying of earth and clothes. |
The Miracle of the Sun has been extensively documented and debated, with various scientific and religious explanations proposed over the years. Regardless of interpretation, it remains a profoundly impactful event that continues to draw millions of pilgrims to Fátima annually, solidifying its place in religious history and cultural memory.
For further reading on the events of Fátima and the Miracle of the Sun, you can explore resources from the Shrine of Fátima or historical accounts detailing the apparitions.
