DCF III-1, Doc. 85

My only regret is that I cannot fly to you right now to tell you what happened on the 13th at "Fátima. Praised be God". Everyone is amazed at the great power that Our Lady showed to mankind. You know, mother, three days before, people from distant parts were already making their way there; just imagine, there were over 50 thousand people there. Just seeing so many people would have converted an unbeliever. It is said that many people were converted; we are all amazed. You know, at noon on the dot some colours came down from the Sky and fell on that great multitude; then a star came over the holm-oak shrub where the little girls are kneeling; at this an enchanting atmosphere falls on all of us who were there, and one can tell that it is the Most Holy Virgin who is speaking with the fortunate girl called Lucia; the blessed girl shouts to the people that Our Lady said all the people should look at the sun and all those people begin to cry out "Long live the Virgin of Heaven and earth. Near me they were all kneeling on the ground saying very loudly "Long live Our Lady, and others were admiring the marvels of the sun. You know, the sun began to go round at such speed that it looked like a wheel of fire; then it stopped, now without brilliance, and so that everyone could see better it stayed in view of all in the form of a Sacred Host^*. At that everyone was terrified by "such a miracle", after it was all over the blessed girl Lucia says that Our Lady said the war was going to end and that the flags of peace were already in sight (miracle), but Our Lady also asked her to tell the people that they should all pray the rosary every day and build her a Church on that spot. You know, mother, the girl Lucia was carried in triumph; everyone wanted to hear her and kiss her, and I was one of them: I pushed into the crush and managed to see her. Here nobody talks of anything else; they are all amazed, and soon we shall have our soldiers^* back here.