Scene 7

Setting: the well

Persons:
Lucia
Francisco
Jacinta
Angel of Portugal

(The young shepherds are laughing and sitting under the trees by the well. The Angel sneaks up on them and interrupts them.)

Angel (angry): What are you doing? Pray, pray a great deal! The Holy Hearts of Jesus and Mary have designs of mercy on you. Offer prayers and sacrifice yourselves unceasingly to the Most High.

Lucia: How do we make sacrifices?

Angel: Make a sacrifice of everything you can and offer it to God as an act of reparation for the sins by which He is offended, and in supplication for the conversion of sinners. Above all, accept and bear with submission the sufferings which the Lord will send you. In this way, you will draw peace upon your country. I am the Guardian Angel of Portugal.

(The Angel walks away slowly. The children collect themselves shortly after he leaves, clearly shaken up, except for Francisco, who looks confused.)

Francisco: What did he say?

Lucia: You mean you didn’t hear him again?

Jacinta: Did you at least see him?

Francisco: No. I could see him talking to you, and I heard what you said to him, but I couldn’t hear him.

Lucia: (befuddled) Well, he... It’s difficult to explain. Ask Jacinta or myself tomorrow.

(The three walk slowly away.)

Sr. L: (off screen) Francisco never was able to hear the apparitions. Jacinta and I always had to tell him what was said. But it wasn’t easy.