The Miracle of the Sun

“Living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ.” - Ephesians 4:15

This Friday, October 13, marks the 106th anniversary of the Fatima apparitions. In 1917, the Blessed Mother appeared to three shepherd children for several months in the small town of Fatima, Portugal. October 13, 1917, marked her last appearance.

Thousands of witnesses saw the sun spinning in the sky, becoming blue and then yellow and changing size, for about ten minutes. This is often referred to as the Miracle of the Sun, a miracle that proved not only the validity of the Marian apparitions, but shattered the prevalent belief that God was irrelevant. The Newsboys could have been singing “God’s not dead, he’s really alive” from a field in Portugal!

At my former school, we marked this feast day in our gym with a schoolwide rosary and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament by candlelight. I remember relating to the students that God speaks to all of us, especially children, as their hearts are pure and full of love. It was a beautiful way to re-center ourselves as a school community before we started the second quarter in mid-October.

The joy of starting a new school community brings so many special opportunities for our Defender community. Together, we will establish our beautiful St. Michael traditions—traditions that will live long after we are gone. What a privilege!

Please continue to pray for our school in this month of the Holy Rosary. Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and precious time with your families. Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!

May the Lord richly bless you in the week ahead.

Yours in Christ,

Shana Druffner