Tonight Sister Mary Claire made the bedroom feel like a little secret chapel. We stretched the old patchwork quilt between two chairs and the bed and made a small tent, just big enough for the two of us and Mini. We piled pillows all around and brought a lamp inside so it glowed softly on the quilt pieces.
Mini curled right up beside us as if she knew something special was happening.
Sister Mary Claire had been reading to me about the children at Fatima. The story grew very quiet and serious, and even Mini seemed to listen.
She read how Lucy, Jacinta, and Francis were out in the fields when suddenly a brilliant flash of lightning appeared in the sky, though there were no clouds at all. Thinking a storm might be coming, they began to gather their sheep and walk home. But right in the middle of the field another bright flash appeared, even stronger than the first.
Sister Mary Claire paused when she read that part, and I could almost imagine the children standing there, not knowing what was happening.
Then she read how the children were passing near a small oak tree when suddenly a wonderful light surrounded them. When they opened their eyes they saw a beautiful young Lady standing above the tree. She was dressed in the purest white and light seemed to shine all around her. A veil edged with golden thread covered her head and fell all the way to her feet.
The children were so amazed and frightened they almost ran away, but the Lady made a gentle motion with her hands and spoke in such a kind voice that they stayed.
Lucy asked, “Where are you from, Madam?”
The Lady answered, “I am from Heaven.”
When Sister Mary Claire read those words she looked up at me and smiled a little, and we both sat very still for a moment.
The Lady told them to return on the thirteenth day of each month for six months, and that in October she would tell them who she was and what she wished.
Lucy asked if they would go to Heaven, and the Lady said yes. But when Lucy asked about Francis, the Lady said he would go to Heaven too, but first he must pray many rosaries.
Then the Lady asked them something very important. She asked if they were willing to offer sacrifices to God and to accept sufferings for the conversion of sinners and to make reparation for offenses against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Sister Mary Claire said that was a very brave thing to ask of children. But Lucy answered right away, “Yes, we are willing.”
The Lady smiled at them and said they would have much to suffer, but the grace of God would always help them.
When Sister Mary Claire read the part where the Lady opened her hands and a beautiful light poured into their souls, it made me feel very quiet inside. The children fell to their knees and cried out:
“O Most Holy Trinity, I adore Thee!
My God, my God, I love Thee!”
Sister Mary Claire said that when God gives light to a soul, it helps a person see things clearly and love Him more.
The Lady asked them one more thing before she left. She asked them to pray the rosary every day for peace in the world and for the conversion of sinners.
Then the children watched as she rose into the light of the sun and disappeared.
For a little while after Sister Mary Claire finished reading, we both just sat quietly in the tent. The lamp made the quilt glow softly and Mini rested her chin on my knee.
Sister Mary Claire said that Our Lady often asks for simple things — prayer, sacrifice, and the rosary — but those simple things can help many souls.
Before we climbed out of the tent we knelt together on the pillows and said a little prayer.
Dear Blessed Mother,
Lady from Heaven, help us remember to pray the rosary each day just as you asked the children at Fatima.
Teach us to love God more, to offer little sacrifices with joy, and to help bring peace to the world.
Keep us close to your Immaculate Heart and guide us safely to Heaven one day.
Amen.
Love,
Kathy ✍️
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