2023 Sunday Nov. 19

Lisbon (Fatima)

We boarded buses to visit Fatima, about 1 1/2 hours north of Lisbon. This site celebrates the appearance of the Virgin to three young children over five months in 1917.

Lucia de Jesus, 10, and her cousins Francisco (9) and Jacinto Marto (7) were shepherd children in the Fatima area. The Virgin appeared first on May 13 and then monthly thereafter until October 13, 1917.

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary begun in 1928 and consecrated in 1953. It is surrounded by the esplanade with Stations of the Cross in polychrome ceramic designs.
Directly across from the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Basilica of Most Holy Trinity was dedicated in 2007 and seats 8633.

The Chapel of Apparitions marks the exact spot where the Virgin first appeared to the children.

The Holmoak under which the children and early pilgrims prayed and awaited the Virgin’s visits.
As pilgrims approached the Chapel of Apparitions, some traveled on their knees.
Other visitors are in line to light candles. Some hold bundles of candles; others have 6 foot pillar candles. There was an area behind the Chapel of Apparitions where candles were lit—we did not observe it directly but could sometimes could see flames and smoke from afar.
Inside the Basilica of our Lady of the Rosary. Mass is still celebrated here, but the Basilica of Most Holy Trinity holds many more celebrants.
The painting over the altar depicts the Message of Our Lady to the little shepherds. The Bishop of the diocese is shown kneeling on the left side.
The tomb of Jacinto is on one side of the Basilica. She died in 1920, and was first buried in the family tomb before being moved to the Basilica.
Jacinta’s brother, Francisco, died in 1919. He was first buried in the parish cemetery, and later was moved to the Basilica. Both Jacinto and Francisco were proclaimed Saints by Pope John Paul II, in Fatima, on May 13, 2000.
Francisco’s grave.
Inside the Basilica of Most Holy Trinity, dedicated in 2007.
The Basilica’s altar.
Some of the Sunday visitors in costume. We’re not sure of the significance.

Comments:

Dan Hendry: Looks like a great excursion. Religious sites are always my favorite places to visit in Europe because they are so uniquely different from ours. 2023/11/26 at 3:03 pm

Reply: Fatima was different from even Santiago—people believe so fervently. I’m glad we got to experience this. 2023/11/26 at 3:54 pm