We travelled to the shrine at Fatima a few days ago. However, it has taken me time to think through the experience to blog in the most respectful way. Full disclosure, we are not Catholic so we apologize in advance if our post doesn’t convey the full significance of Fatima.
In 1917 three young children from Fatima were visited by an apparition for the first time. “A lady more brilliant than the sun,” told them to “pray much”. This happened numerous times and at some point, the apparition implied she was “the lady of the Rosary”, which would be Mary the mother of Jesus. The location Mary first appeared became a shrine for the Catholic Church which is now visited by more than 80 million people per year. Several of our friends (who happen to be Catholic) encouraged us to visit while we were in Portugal. Almost every night in the square the Rosary is recited in several languages and then those in attendance walk around the square behind an illuminated cross carrying candles and singing. They indicated that the experience was phenomenal. I will admit that I was up to experiencing it but was a bit cynical that it would be another version of religious tourism. I’ve been to Israel and have been previously disappointed to see faith experiences reduced to tourist traps. However, Fatima was in every way genuine and not tourist kitsch. It was a Wednesday evening and there were easily over 500 people in attendance. We were standing a ways back to be respectful and ended up corralled into the queue by security. Ok, now we were part of this by the end evening Ray was singing the Avé Maria response—and Ray doesn’t easily choose to sing. In reflection, I think what brought us into the moment was the sincerity of a large group of faithful united in one action—following the illuminated cross. (See the video below) An unforgettable experience. You are Always in my Prayers. Love Mom.
22 Comments
Ava
4/30/2023 08:19:48 am
That will be fun how is or was the experience?
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Diane
4/30/2023 11:14:53 am
It’s a very special place
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NPW student Hanife
5/1/2023 10:18:56 am
How did it feel exploring a new religion and do you think it was fun to see their traditions?
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Diane
5/1/2023 12:13:36 pm
Our kids went to St. Mary’s Hesson for elementary school so we are familiar with some Catholic traditions. I always appreciate learning about other faiths because it better helps me understand my own.
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NPW teacher
5/1/2023 10:21:49 am
It must have been so interesting to be part of a large group like this.
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Diane
5/1/2023 12:20:27 pm
I generally am a person who wants things proven, which I suppose makes me somewhat of a sceptic. However, I believe that to the people of Fatima it was genuine. I have been at Hindu celebrations in India where I have also been very moved. I was blessed by a Shaman in Peru that is unforgettable.. I do know that for those there on this Wednesday night being able to recite the Rosary brought them into the experience faster than Ray & I.
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Maya
5/1/2023 10:23:04 am
How were the lights they look beautiful in the picture
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Diane
5/1/2023 12:21:33 pm
It is a small town so very little light pollution so the square is very dark and the candles shine so beautifully.
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Makayla and Alexis
5/1/2023 10:28:13 am
How late did this go till
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Diane
5/1/2023 12:25:06 pm
About an hour
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NPWAS7
5/1/2023 10:28:47 am
I find it cool that Ray decided to sing even though he usually doesn’t. I don’t like to sing either! But I’m happy that you choose to embrace new cultures rather than not.
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Diane
5/1/2023 12:23:15 pm
Agreed. We have so much to learn from one another.
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Autumn and Hailey W7
5/1/2023 10:33:53 am
Do they recite it inside or outside the church?
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Diane
5/1/2023 12:24:28 pm
They have a special building for this that has walls on only three sides, so one side is always open to the outside. That wouldn’t work with Canada’s weather 😄
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Kelsey, Molly, brynlee
5/1/2023 11:53:04 am
Was if very busy there?
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Diane
5/1/2023 12:25:40 pm
Over 500 people!
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Blake
5/2/2023 07:16:37 am
Is there a way to get into the building? How tall is the building?
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Diane
5/2/2023 10:57:53 am
Yes, we went to mass in the cathedral.
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MLW7
5/2/2023 07:33:51 am
What was the religion like?
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Diane
5/2/2023 10:59:05 am
It is part of the Catholic Church so if you know someone that is Catholic….it is like that and more.
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Lisa
5/3/2023 10:59:14 am
How did it feel to be part of the group of people singing? I feel like it would feel very liberating.
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Diane
5/4/2023 09:17:26 am
Yes it did feel liberating. You felt like you were part of something bigger than you.
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