Flashes of light in the sky preceded the second apparition, just as the first. On this occasion, approximately fifty people accompanied the children. Although no one but the children saw Our Lady, others did notice unusual phenomena. The sun became dimmer during the apparition and stars were plainly visible even though it was midday. People noticed the holm oak tree sagged as if under an unseen weight during the time that Lucia spoke towards it.
On this day the following conversation took place:
Lucia: What does Your Grace wish of me?
Our Lady: I want you to come here on the thirtieth day of next month, to pray the rosary every day and to learn to read. I shall say later what I want.
(Lucia then asked Our Lady to cure a sick person.)
Our Lady: If he converts, he will be cured within the year.
Lucia: I would like to ask you to take us to heaven.
Our Lady: Yes, I shall take Jacinta and Francisco soon. But you will remain here for some time. Jesus wishes to use you to in order to make me known and loved. He wishes to establish devotion to my Immaculate Heart in the world. I promise salvation to those who embrace it; and these souls will be beloved of God, like flowers arranged by me to adorn His throne. Lucia: Will I stay here alone? Our Lady: No, my daughter. Does that make you suffer much? Do not lose heart. I will never forsake you. My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the road that leads you to God.
Lucia continues:
“Upon saying these last words, she opened her hands, and for the second time she communicated to us the reflection of that intense light. We could see ourselves in it, as if immersed in God. Jacinta and Francisco seemed to be in the part of this light that went up toward heaven, and I in the part that was cast toward the ground. In front of Our Lady’s right hand there was a heart encircled by thorns that seemed to pierce it. We understood that it was the Immaculate Heart of Mary, insulted by the sins of humanity and which desires reparation.”
When this vision ended, Our Lady rose serenely and moved toward the east until she disappeared from view. Several people nearby noticed that the leaves at the top of the holm oak bush rotated in the same direction, as if being drawn by Our Lady’s unseen trailing mantle
