The visit of the Blessed Virgin to the three children in Fatima on September 13th, 1917, was a short one. But there were tens of thousands of people there waiting. Many saw a globe of light floating away from the holm oak tree, after the Virgin left. They describe this as the vehicle which brought our Lady down from heaven, and in which she returned there.
As always, the emphasis of the Blessed Mother's message is praying the rosary every day. She also encourages the children in doing penance. Finally, she again promises a miracle that will cause many people to believe.
As I’ve mentioned before, we try to read the account of the visions of Fatima on the 13th of May, June, July, August, September, and October each year. You know we haven't done it all the time! Sometimes, like last night, we read it a day before or after (we have a special guest coming to dinner tonight, so bedtime may be late and we’re not planning to read at bedtime). Whenever we’re able to read these accounts, our devotion to the Blessed Virgin and to Fatima increases.
You can commemorate the apparitions of Fatima in your home, too. Maybe put up some fun decorations each month (May to October), have something special at dinner (or after), and read the account about that month. If you need cute and beautiful decorations for this, please check out Our Lady of Fatima decorations from Party Like a Saint! If you order now (so you won't forget), you'll have them for October, to commemorate the miracle of the sun.
I am grateful to Fatima: A Message More Urgent Than Ever by Luiz Sergio Solimeo, which gives Sister Lucia’s own account of what happened:
We finally arrived at Cova da Iria, next to the holm oak, and began to say the Rosary with the people. A little later, we saw the reflection of light and then Our
Lady upon the tree.
"Continue to say the Rosary to obtain the end of the war. In October Our Lord will also come, as well as Our Lady of Sorrows and of Mount Carmel, and Saint Joseph with the Child Jesus to bless the world. God is happy with your sacrifices but He does not want you to sleep with the rope [tied around the waist]; wear it during the day."
"People have asked me to ask You for many things: the cure of some sick persons, a deaf-mute."
"Yes, I will cure some, but not others. In October I will work the miracle for all to believe." And beginning to rise, she disappeared as usual.