The prophecy of Fatima for October 13, 1917, foretold that the Lady appearing to the children would reveal her identity and perform a significant miracle to affirm her presence and message, ensuring that all who witnessed it would believe.
The Core Prophecy for October 13
On October 13, 1917, the central prediction of the Fatima apparitions was twofold:
- Revelation of Identity: The mysterious Lady would disclose who she was.
- Performance of a Miracle: A grand public miracle would occur, designed "so that all may believe" the children's claims and the messages they had received.
This specific event was intended to serve as undeniable proof for the thousands of pilgrims and skeptics who had gathered in Cova da Iria, Portugal, on that day.
Broader Context of the Fatima Messages
Leading up to this climactic event, the children, Lúcia dos Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto, had reported several visitations from the Lady. These earlier encounters included other important prophecies and requests:
- End of the Great War: The Lady prophesied that prayer would bring an end to World War I. This was a significant global concern at the time, adding urgency and relevance to the messages.
- Call to Prayer and Penance: Throughout the apparitions, emphasis was placed on the importance of prayer, particularly the Rosary, and acts of penance for the conversion of sinners and world peace.
The Anticipated Miracle
Newspapers widely reported the children's prophecies, which drew an immense crowd to Fatima on October 13. The anticipation surrounding the promised miracle was immense. What reportedly transpired that day became widely known as the Miracle of the Sun, where observers claimed to have witnessed the sun dance, spin, or fall towards the Earth before returning to its normal position. This event was seen by many as the fulfillment of the Lady's prophecy to perform a miracle so that all might believe.
Summary of Prophecy Elements for October 13
To summarize the key components of the October 13 prophecy:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Specific Date | October 13, 1917 |
| Primary Actions | The Lady would reveal her identity and perform a miracle. |
| Purpose of Miracle | "So that all may believe" – to validate the messages and the reality of the apparitions. |
| Broader Context | The Lady had previously stated that prayer would bring about the end of the Great War (World War I). |
| Anticipated Event | A visible sign in the sky, widely reported to be the "Miracle of the Sun," was expected by the children and pilgrims. |
