The number of believers increased with each apparition of Our Lady at Cova da Iria. On September 13, an extraordinary stream of pilgrims went to that blessed place; it was a very pious multitude of about fifteen to twenty thousand people, or even more.¹⁷

Sister Lucia narrates:

“As the hour approached, I set out with Jacinta and Francisco, but due to the crowds, we advanced with difficulty. The roads were packed with people and everyone wanted to see us and speak to us… begging to present their petitions before Our Lady…

“We finally arrived at Cova da Iria and upon reaching the holm oak tree, we began to pray the Rosary with the people. Shortly afterward, we saw the flash of light and then Our Lady appeared above the holm oak tree. [She said:]

— Continue to pray the Rosary to bring about the end of the war. In October, Our Lord will also come, as well as Our Lady of Sorrows, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Joseph with the Child Jesus, to bless the world. God is pleased with your sacrifices, but He does not want you to sleep with the rope; wear it only during the day.*

— They have begged me to ask you for many things: the cure of some sick people, of a deaf-mute.

— Yes, I will cure some, but not others. In October, I will perform a miracle for all to believe.

“Then Our Lady began to rise as usual and disappeared.”