Proposed Pilgrimage Itinerary *

DAY 1 - Arrive Fatima

This afternoon we will depart from Dublin to Lisbon. Awaiting us in the arrivals hall will be our Marian Pilgrimages guide who will remain with us for the duration of our pilgrimage. Our transfer to Fatima will make for an enjoyable drive as we hear of the traditions of this part of Portugal and get an insight into our plans for the upcoming days. Upon arrival at the four-star Hotel Steyler, we will check into our rooms and have time to relax before dinner.


DAY 2 - FEAST DAY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

This morning our guide will take us on a tour of the sanctuary which will include visits to the following places:

- 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 the opening Mass of our pilgrimage and after dinner, have the opportunity to participate in the celebrations taking place at the sanctuary to mark this Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

DAY 3 - 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. This morning 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.


We will enjoy an afternoon at leisure and after dinner attend the Candlelight Procession and Rosary which take place each evening at 9 pm in the sanctuary.


DAY 4 - Church of the Holy Miracle, Santarem

This morning we will drive to the historical town of Santar�m and celebrate Mass in the Church of the Holy Miracle. 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 very special place before returning to Fatima where we will have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.


DAY 5 - Relic of St. Brigid

This morning we will check out of our hotel and drive to the village of Lumiar, located just six miles from Lisbon. We will celebrate the closing Mass of our pilgrimage in the parish church of St. John the Baptist, where we will hear of the arrival of the skull of St. Brigid, which today is carefully preserved in a precious reliquary. After time for private prayer, we will continue our drive towards Lisbon airport for our return flight to Dublin.