The first thing she said was "Do not be afraid"

On 13 May 1917, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta—aged ten, nine and seven—were with their sheep in the fields near Fatima. They had prayed the rosary and were playing at building a little house with stones. Then they saw a Lady full of light. Her first words were: "Do not be afraid. I will not harm you." Before asking them for anything, she took away their fear. Then she asked them to pray the rosary every day to obtain peace for the world, which was then at war. God usually begins like that when he comes close: by reassuring. If you're ever frightened by what God might ask of you, remember that the one speaking to you wishes you well. And that world peace, however distant it seems, can also be asked for from a field of sheep.