Pilgrimage to Fatima
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On Monday 2nd April 2018 pilgrims from Lancaster, Whitehaven and Fleetwood gathered together for the trip to Fátima.
We were met in Portugal by a very knowledgeable guide called Nelson, who educated us all on the trees in Portugal, the history associated with the ancient monuments and monasteries of Portugal, and most, importantly the incredible story surrounding the apparitions.
Our hotel was only a 5 minute walk away from the Sanctuary where every evening at 9.30 the international Rosary was said in the Chapel of Apparitions followed by the torchlight procession.
Day 2 we visited Alijustrel, the little village where the 3 shepherd children lived, played and tendered their sheep. We were then taken to the parish church where they were baptised, went to Mass and spent their time talking to the hidden Jesus (in the Tabernacle). Sr. Lucia’s niece who is 98yrs old still lives in this little village.
Day 3 was spent visiting Batalha Monastery, Cistercian Monastery at Alcobaca and Nazare which had a beautiful beach and rolling sea.
Day 4 was a free day, with the option of doing the stations of the cross led by Fr. John. This was thought provoking and a time for personal reflection.
Day 5 our last day and it rained heavily. On our way to Lisbon we stopped off at Belem, visited St. Jerome Monastery and our last Mass was said in the beautiful church of St. Anthony. It was also our last chance to taste the pastries that Portugal had to offer.
We made new friends, enjoyed talking and listening to each other but we all had one thing in common, our faith. The Angel of Peace that appeared to the children asked them to say this prayer, “ My God, I believe, I Adore, I hope and I love You! I ask pardon of You for those who do not believe, do not adore and do not love You” Maybe we could say this prayer daily?
