The Sanctuary of Fatima Exceeds Expectations

Fatima.

How best to describe a visit to the Sanctuary of Fatima in the country of Portugal?

The experience of a November visit to the Sanctuary proved beyond anything expected.

Background of Fatima

A visit to Fatima warranted some research. The story of the Sanctuary of Fatima is fascinating on a variety of levels. Travel writer Rick Steve explains with great care [here].

Fatima’s village has its roots in the 1100s. The Moors named it after a princess. She would convert to Catholicism.

Material changes to the village happened because of unexpected events in 1916 and 1917.

Three shepherd children encounter visions of an angel (1916) followed by the Virgin Mary (1917). Later in 1917, people predicted a ‘Miracle of the Sun’. With 70,000 people observing, the ‘Miracle of the Sun’ occurs. In 1930, the Catholic Church confirmed these events as authentic.

Religious significance has grown at the Sanctuary of Fatima over a period of about 100 years. It receives 6 to 8 million religious pilgrims each year, and the facilities have grown to support the increase in demand.

We traveled to Fatima after a stay in the lovely coastal towns of Costa Nova and Barra near the city of Aveiro, Portugal. The drive to Fatima took about 90 minutes.

Upon arrival, the sun is shining accompanied by a crisp morning air.

Getting a Feel for the Place

The Sanctuary of Fatima in 2025 is serious and huge. It is bigger than expected.

The Sanctuary of Fatima is not a place of blatant market capitalism. You cannot buy Virgin Mary shirts in team uniforms at any trinket shop.

We visited on a Sunday morning. The Sanctuary of Fatima did not feel crowded.

The Pilgrims

Fatima Pilgrimage Path

The people on their religious journey have a display of authentic faith. Observing the religious pilgrims crawling on their knees or elbows or even their stomachs was humbling.

People of every age and background were nearing the end of their trip.

Some were solitary or accompanied by their spouses or friends. A few individuals were with who appeared to be their whole families.

The Grounds and Buildings

The Esplanade is an enormous place for gathering. Fountains and statues are throughout to add a level of intimacy. The statue of the Virgin Mary towers over me.

To our surprise, we could attend Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima. I felt a warmth develop within me. The Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima contains within it a 200-foot spire. The 14 Stations of the Cross and statues of the three shepherd children are present. This place is remarkable.

Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima

The Alter after Mass

A Minor Blemish

There is one aspect of the Sanctuary of Fatima that did not resonate. It was the Church of the Holy Trinity. I have read about its reason for being. The reasoning seems logical and practical. It can seat 10 times more people than the Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima. It contains stone offered by the Vatican.

However, the Church of the Holy Trinity seems misplaced. It looks like a 21st century sports stadium. It only lacks the giant corporate logo paid for with Naming Rights money.

The Church of the Holy Trinity is a minor flaw in an otherwise excellent experience.

Statues Resonate

Most of the aspects of the Sanctuary of Fatima fully resonate. For example, there are statues located throughout that are captivating.

The Virgin Mary watches over

Lúcia dos Santos – the shepherd girl

*** Jeff’s Thoughts and Other Worthless Trivia ***

Religion

Religion and religious beliefs can cause problems in a public forum. I am not a member of the Catholic Church. I am an Episcopalian long in lapse.

However, I am interested in religion, and its role in history.  I have been for my entire life.

Pilgrims

I chose not to photograph any person on the Pilgrimage Path.  I thought it would intrusive and disrespectful.  The biggest surprise for me was witnessing little kids on the walk, on their knees, and what appeared to be unattended.