Introduction:
In the centre of Portugal, Fátima stands as one of the world’s most revered pilgrimage destinations, a place where spirituality and history are uniquely intertwined. What began as a series of apparitions in 1917 of the Blessed Mother of the Rosary has become a global symbol of faith, hope and spiritual renewal.
The Fatima apparitions have not only deeply touched the Catholic Church, but have also marked generations of believers, inspiring a devotion that crosses borders and stands through time. Its message, continues to resonate in the hearts of pilgrims who come seeking reflection and spiritual connection.
In this article, we’ll explore the remarkable sites of Fátima, where visitors can experience its deep spirituality through the journey of the apparition’s protagonists: Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta.
History of the Apparitions:
The bright sun was shining over the peaceful fields of Cova da Iria as three children: Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta – led their little group of flock. As they did every day, they prayed the Rosary and played, never imagining that what would happen on 13th of May 1917 would change their lives forever.
Suddenly, a flash tore through the sky. Thinking it was lightning, the three of them hurried to collect the sheep to return home. But before they could take another step, an even brighter light illuminated the place. Over a small holm oak tree, a resplendent figure appeared, a Lady dressed in white, shining brighter that the sun, with a rosary in her hands.
The Lady spoke to them sweetly, asking them to pray frequantly and promising to return in the following months, always on the 13th. And so it happened: in June, July, September and October, the little shepherds returned to the same place, accompanied by a growing number of faithful, eager to witness something extraordinary. In August, the apparition took place in a different place, in Valinhos, because that month the children had been prevented from going to the Cova da Iria.
At the last apparition, on the 13th of October, a crowd of around 70,000 people filled the fields, waiting for a divine sign. It was then that something inexplicable happened, the sun began to rotate in the sky, in a spectacle of light and colour that many described as ‘a miracle’. That day, the Lady revealed herself as ‘Our Lady of the Rosary’ and asked for a chapel to be built in her honour, a site that would become one of the holiest in Christianity.
The testimony of the little shepherds has passed down through generations, making Fátima one of the largest pilgrimage centres in the world. On the 13th of May 2000, Francisco and Jacinta were beatified by Pope John Paul II, and later, in 2017, canonised by Pope Francis.
The Story of the Little Shepherds: The Visionaries of Fatima
Lucia de Jesus: The Guardian of the Message: Lucia de Jesus was born on 28th March 1907 in Aljustrel. As the eldest of the three, it was her mission to pass on the message she had received to the world. In time, she entered religious life, first in the congregation of the Dorothean Sisters and later in the Carmel of St Teresa in Coimbra. For decades, she dedicated herself to prayer and writing, recording the accounts of the apparitions and deepening her devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. She died on 13 February 2005, leaving a legacy of faith and perseverance.
Francisco Marto: The Silent Contemplative: Born on 11th June 1908, Francisco had a serenity that distinguished him. After the apparitions, he dedicated himself to a life of prayer, determined to ‘console Our Lord’. He spent hours in contemplation, often alone, praying in silence. His life was short, he died on 4 April 1919 after a prolonged illness (Spanish flu), accepting his suffering with unshakeable faith.
Jacinta Marto: The Little Great Visionary: Jacinta, born on the 5th of March 1910, was the youngest of the three, but the intensity of her devotion impressed everyone around her. Deeply moved by Our Lady’s appeals, she prayed fervently for the conversion of sinners and for peace in the world. She suffered with joy and offered every pain for the salvation of souls. After enduring the Spanish flu like her brother, she died on the 20th of February 1920 at the D. Estefânia Hospital in Lisbon.
Places not to be missed:
Fátima Shrine – The Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima is the spiritual heart of the city and the place where millions of pilgrims gather every year. It was here that Our Lady appeared to the three shepherd children in 1917 and asked for a chapel to be built in her honour. It is one of the Catholic Church’s most important Marian shrines and one of the world’s main destinations for religious tourism, welcoming around six million pilgrims every year.
Blessed Mother Apparition Sites – During the apparitions of 1917, Our Lady appeared mainly in Cova da Iria, where the Chapel of the Apparitions stands today. However, in August of that year, due to the arrest of the little shepherds, the apparition took place in Valinhos, a location around 500 metres from Aljustrel, the village where the children lived.
Cova da Iria – Where Our Lady appeared five times in 1917.
Valinhos – Site of the apparition of August 1917, with a monument honouring the event.
Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary – The basilica, which was erected on the spot where the shepherd children played before the first apparition, now houses the tombs of St Francisco Marto and St Jacinta Marto, as well as those of Sister Lucia dos Santos. The interior has impressive stained-glass windows depicting the history of the apparitions and important figures in the Catholic Church.
Shepherds’ Homes – Located in the village of Aljustrel, about 2 kilometres from the Shrine of Fatima, these houses preserve the memory of the three shepherd children. The houses of Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta have remained practically unchanged since that time, allowing visitors to get to know the simple environment in which they lived.
Angel’s Apparition Sites – Before the apparitions of Our Lady, the children had visions of the Angel of Peace, who taught them prayers and prepared their hearts for the arrival of the Virgin Mary. These places include:
Loca do Cabeço (Ajustrel) – Where the angel appeared for the first and third time, inviting the children to prayer and giving them communion.
Poço do Arneiro (Ajustrel) – A well located in the backyard of Lucia’s house, where the angel appeared for the second time.
Visitor Experience in Fátima
Visiting Fátima is truly a unique experience, full of spirituality, history and moments of reflection. To make the most of your visit, here are some essential tips:
Best time to visit
Fátima welcomes pilgrims all year long, but the main celebrations take place on the 12th and 13th of each month, especially in May and October, when the largest pilgrimages take place. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, consider visiting outside these dates.
Opening hours and access
The Shrine of Fatima is open every day and most of the sites can be visited freely. Some areas, such as the houses of the little shepherds in Aljustrel, have specific opening hours. It is advisable to check the up-to-date timetables on the shrine’s official website before visiting.
Events and celebrations
The shrine offers various daily celebrations, including masses, processions and moments of prayer. Particularly noteworthy are the Candlelight Procession, held on 13th May, which is an experience you can’t miss. If you want an even more special adventure, take part in a Way of the Cross in Valinhos, following in the footsteps of the little shepherds.
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