Proposed Pilgrimage Itinerary *
Thursday, 11 September Arrive Fatima
This morning, we will depart from Dublin to Lisbon. Awaiting us in the arrival's hall will be our Marian Pilgrimages representative who will accompany us to Fatima. Upon arrival, will have free time for lunch before checking into our rooms.
This afternoon, accompanied by our guide, we will enjoy a tour of the sanctuary which will include visits to the following:
- Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary - It was barely a decade after the apparitions that construction began on this church with its stirring Neo-Baroque architecture. It is now home to the tombs of the shepherd children.
- Chapel of the Apparitions - considered as �the heart� of the Marian Shrine
and where the Virgin Mary appeared in 1917
- Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity - built to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims arriving in Fatima. The basilica can accommodate more than 8,000 pilgrims and boasts some magnificent works of liturgical art.
We will celebrate evening Mass and after dinner can return to the sanctuary to attend the Candlelight Procession and Rosary which take place each evening at 9 pm.
Friday, 12th September Hungarian Way of the Cross, Valinhos & Aljustrel
Winding a way through the olive and cork trees of the Fatima countryside the Way of the Cross is the path taken each day by the three shepherd children as they went to graze their herds. Today we will visit the sites associated with the apparitions and three shepherd children.
Loca do Cabe�o
As the site of the first and third apparitions of the Angel of Peace to the children of Fatima, Loca do Cabe�o is a true place of reflection and prayer.
Valinhos
Between the 8th and 9th station of the Way of the Cross in the Path of the little Shepherds, there is the place where the fourth apparition of Our Lady took place, on August 19th, 1917.
Aljustrel
Here we will see the late 19th century family houses of the children.
In the backyard of Lucia's house, we will see the famous well associated with the second apparition of the Angel, in the summer of 1916.
Church of St. Stephen
Our morning will end at the Hungarian Calvary where we will celebrate Mass in the church dedicated St. Stephen, King of Hungary.
Saturday, 13th September Church of the Holy Miracle, Santarem
This morning there will be an optional visit to historical town of Santar�m and Church of the Holy Miracle where we will celebrate Mass.
The Eucharistic Miracle of Santar�m which dates to 1247, is considered amongst one the most important Eucharistic Miracles. Today we will have the opportunity to venerate the relics of this Eucharistic Miracle which have been carefully preserved for centuries in the church dedicated to St. Stephen. We will have time for private prayer in this special place.
We will return to Fatima and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Sunday, 14th September Optional excursion to Nazar�
This morning, we will attend Mass at the sanctuary and have time for private prayer.
This afternoon there will be the opportunity to visit the town of Nazar�. Departing from Fatima, our first stop will be Sitio, a historic and charming district of Nazar�. We will visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazar�, home to a unique statue, believed to be the earliest carved statues of Mary and the child Jesus, which legend tells us may have been carved by St. Joseph. After time for private prayer, we will drive down to the seaside town of Nazar� where we can have time for shopping and private sightseeing, enjoy a walk along the promenade, or simply relax in one of the many cafes and bars and soak up the atmosphere of this modern resort.
DAY 5 Return home
This morning, we will celebrate the closing Mass of our pilgrimage before departing Fatima for Lisbon airport for our flight home.
*It is our intention to follow the itinerary as outlined above, however due to many factors like local holidays, traffic or weather conditions it may be necessary to make changes to the order of events or even the cancelation of certain events.
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