Event: The children saw a bright flash resembling lightning, followed by another flash.
Vision: A lady clothed in white, brighter than the sun, appeared.
Instruction:
Mary asked the children to come every month.
Promised a miracle in October and to reveal her identity.
Reaction to the Apparition
Secrecy: Lucia wanted to keep it secret; Jacinta shared it with her family.
Public Reaction:
Skepticism due to the children's age and the nature of their claims.
Growing curiosity as stories matched during interrogations.
The Miracle of October 13, 1917
Pre-event Conditions:
A storm occurred but did not deter tens of thousands from gathering.
Heavy rain fell on the day of the miracle.
Apparition on October 13:
Mary appeared to the children again.
Message:
A chapel should be built in her honor.
Continue praying the rosary daily.
The war (WWI) would end soon.
A warning against offending God.
The Miracle of the Sun
Description:
After Mary's departure, the sun appeared as a spinning disc.
It cast multi-colored lights and appeared to move erratically.
The sun seemed to approach the earth before returning to its place.
Witnesses' wet clothes and muddy ground reportedly dried instantly.
Eyewitness Account:
Dominic Reiss noted the dryness similar to clothes from the cleaners.
Viewable from 15-25 miles away.
Implications of the Miracle
Broader Impact:
Convinced many doubters and skeptics of the authenticity of the apparitions.
Strengthened faith in Catholic teachings and the visionaries' accounts.
Conclusion
Significance: The event is a remarkable example of religious apparitions and has left a lasting impact on the region and the Catholic community worldwide.