On May 13, 1917, the Virgin Mary reportedly appeared in front of 3 children (Francisco, Jacinto and Lucia) tending sheep. She brought a message that peace was coming in the midst of WWI. On the 13th of each of the next 5 months, she reappeared. Finally, on Oct 13, 70,000 people gathered in a rainstorm. Suddenly, the sun came out, grew increasingly brighter and plunged to earth, spreading flower petals everywhere. In 1930, the Vatican deemed this a miracle and today, faithfuls gather in Fatima to celebrate the miracle.
Faithfuls walk from all over Portugal to convene in Fatima on the 13th of the month May-October and on August 19 (another day when the Virgin Mary appeared in front of the children). You can't miss them in their reflective jackets. In 2017, on the 100th anniversary of the miracle, half a million people gathered here.
Fatima has been built up to accommodate the hordes of tourists. This mall houses stalls selling candles, wax body parts and religious items. You can purchase a wax replica of whatever ails you and burn it as a sacrifice to help you heal.
The complex is huge--bigger than I ever imagined. Parking is well marked and it's free. Lots P3-P6 are the most convenient behind the basilica. At one end of the complex is the Church of the Holy Trinity. The church took 3 years to complete and was opened in late 2007. The foundation contains a piece of St. Peter's tomb from the Vatican.
Statue of Paul VI, who visited on the 50th anniversary in 1967.
Statue of John Paul II, who visited many times.
The church is circular and has 12 doors, one for each of the apostles.
Inside, 9000 devotees can gather.
The unusual crucifix is from Ireland.
At the other end of the complex is the Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima.
Some pilgrims crawl on their knees the length of the esplanade from the Church of the Holy Trinity to the Chapel of Apparitions.
Where candles are lit. There is a vat underneath which recycles the wax.
In the center of the esplanade, there is a fountain that provides holy water for pilgrims to take home.
The Chapel of Apparitions marks the spot where Mary appeared. Services take place all day long in a variety of languages in this outdoor chapel.
The oak tree stands nearby.
The neoclassical basilica has a 200 foot spire with a cross on top.
A covered stage with an open-air altar built into the staircase is the site of an outdoor mass that occurs on the 13th of the month.
Tombs of Jacinta and Lucia. Jacionta died in 1920 of the flu shortly after she saw the vision but Lucia lived to 97 and died in 2005.
Francisco died in 1919 from the flu.
There is a free museum on the complex. At the time of our visit, it was housed in a building on the left as you face the Church of the Holy Trinity.
Inside the museum, you'll learn the story of the Vision and see photos of the 3 children.
You'll also see a crown with a bullet that hit John Paul II. One of the messages that the Virgin Mary brought to the children was that someone will try to kill a bishop dressed in white. This message was kept a secret for decades until John Paul II was shot on May 13, 1981. He was convinced he was the bishop and revealed the long-hidden secret.
2022 05 04
Comments