Anything Under the Sun
Fatima strange coincidences (3)
Third event
The third incident took place in the central section of Portugal about 900 miles north of Lisbon. In the hills just outside the village of Fatima, three little children were shepherding their flock in a barren hollow, known as Cove de Iria (Hollow or Cave of Irene). The oldest was Lucia de Santos aged 10 and the others were her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta, aged 9 and 7, respectively.
At noon on Sunday, May 13, the sky was clear and the sun shone brilliantly. The sheep grazed contentedly and the three children played. World War I raging in Europe was far away, and the fact that a few weeks before, on Good Friday, the Unites States had entered the fight meant nothing to them. This day was made for playing, laughing and living.
They were engaged in one of their simple games when suddenly a blazing flash or lightning lit up the sky. There was not a cloud visible, but the children were afraid a storm was brewing and began rounding up the sheep, when another flash, more brilliant than the first, stopped them in their tracks.
The second flash had settled above the branches of a small holm-oak tree directly in their path. And in the dazzling light they saw "the most beautiful Lady they had ever seen."
She was "dressed all in white" -- this is Lucia's account -- "more brilliant than the sun, shedding rays of light clearer and stronger than a crystal glass filled with the most sparkling water pierced by the burning rays of the sun."
The children were about to turn and run, when the Lady beckoned them closer. With her gesture, their fears faded. "Do not be afraid," the Lady said, "I shall not harm you."
She was young and very beautiful. Her slender hands were folded on her breast, and in them she held a long, white Rosary with beads, cross and chain of shining pearl.