One of the most widely discussed religious events of the twentieth century concerns three shepherd children at Fatima in Portugal in 1917. Their names were Lucia Dos Santos (10), Francisco Marto (9), and Jacinta Marto (7). Whatever one’s personal view, the reported events — from the apparitions to the final “Miracle of the Sun” — continue to attract global attention and remain extraordinary in scale.

THE STORY

In 1916, the three young children experienced a series of visions of a male angel who urged them to pray and prepare for what was to come. On 13 May 1917, the first of several appearances by Mary, the mother of Jesus, occurred. Mary told them that she would visit them on the 13^th day of the following 5 months and on the last visit, a miracle would be performed. Word of these events spread quickly, and they soon found themselves the centre of national discussion and even controversy because of the political landscape between the Government and the Church at the time.

The children were put under immense pressure to admit the apparitions were false, but they remained steadfast in their versions of events. A local government official kidnapped them on 13^th August 1917 and imprisoned them. They were threatened with torture and death if they did not confess, they were telling lies. The children refused to do so under extreme provocation and were released two days later. Mary instead appeared to them that month on 19^th August 1917.

THE ‘MIRACLE’

Mary’s final visitation occurred on 13 October 1917. The children had been told beforehand that a sign would accompany this final appearance, and a large crowd — estimated at around 70,000 people — gathered in anticipation. Only the children could see Mary’s apparition. What happened next has become known as the “Miracle of the Sun”.

The day began with torrential rain, but suddenly the clouds cleared and the sun appeared to dance, spin, change colours, and careen towards the earth below, before resting back in its position. Some observers claimed their previously rain-soaked clothing dried instantly. The event was witnessed not only by believers but also by sceptics, journalists, and those who had come simply out of curiosity. Many fell to their knees in awe.

Some sceptics however, found the entire episode unbelievable or assumed it was imagined or exaggerated. Official church confirmation came only after careful investigation.

THE PROPHECIES

Alongside the apparitions were several prophecies (“secrets”), some of which related to world events. One prediction concerned the Second World War. Another, made in July 1917, referred to a future tragedy involving the Pope. Sixty-four years later, on 13 May 1981 (the anniversary of the first apparition), Pope John Paul II survived a serious assassination attempt in which the gunman stated: “I am sure I killed the Pope.” The Pope was so convinced that the incident related to the ‘secret’ of Fatima that he arranged for the bullet to be enshrined on the altar of the Cathedral in Fatima.

Mary had informed the children that the two younger ones would soon die, but Lucia would live on. Francisco died in 1919 and Jacinta in 1920 during the influenza epidemic. Lucia became a nun within the Catholic Church and died at the age of 97. Francisco and Jacinta were canonized as saints of the Church in 2017. Lucia’s case is still under review.  

Saint Jacinta has a very special meaning in my life as I shall explain in a future chapter.

CONCLUSION

Whether one views the Fatima events as miraculous, symbolic, or misunderstood, the scale of the eyewitness accounts is striking. This story has become one of the most significant claimed miracles in modern history, and interpretations vary widely.

For me, Fatima stands as a reminder that, throughout history, God has sometimes chosen to act in ways that defy ordinary understanding. As with many spiritual matters, each person must consider the evidence for themselves.

While sceptics dismiss them as impossible, for those who believe in a Creator, miracles are neither irrational nor unexpected – they are glimpses of God’s power and love breaking into our world.

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Mike.

mike@acaseforgod.com

Post 23 A of a 33-part series exploring the evidence for the existence of God.

What does Fatima teach us about miracles? – please read my next blog.