Wow am I blessed with all these people who want to feed me!

Lisa Barfield and I met in Storybrand years ago. She invited me for a lovely lunch in her backyard.

Random things I saw on the interstate. People have pool water delivered?!

The place I finally spot looks like it used to be an old barn. The beams here have a funny overhang on the second floor — I can’t help but wonder what it was for. I should look that up!

Next stop: Laura’s house. Three of her kids and her husband are out of town while I’m there. It’s funny how I always seem to miss him when I visit. Laura’s someone I really admire — not just because she’s a mom of five, but because she also runs a marketing business and still greets everyone with a smile. I’m convinced that kind of peace only comes from knowing Jesus.

My room was beautifully prepared, complete with fresh flowers from her garden. That’s something I’m really loving about this area — everything grows here. Flowers, gardens, greenery… it all feels abundant.

Longwood Gardens

One afternoon, Laura told me we were heading to Longwood Gardens for a picnic with friends. I didn’t think much of it at first — she enjoys gardening, and I’m always up for time outdoors when the weather is nice. But the moment we walked in, my mind was blown.

Longwood Gardens stretches for acres, with huge atriums dedicated to different ecosystems: tropical plants, desert plants, and walls of flowers that look like little people dancing in the breeze. The water gardens were breathtaking — a display of lily pads floating on black-dyed water (fun fact: they dye it that way to hide the pipes and cables underneath). Each exhibit gets refreshed and updated throughout the year, and now I can’t help but dream about returning at Christmas to see it all lit up.

The kitchen garden was overflowing with vegetables — some I’d never even heard of — and tucked off to the side were a few whimsical treehouses. I’m so glad we stayed until evening to watch the lights come on. It felt absolutely magical.

We ended the visit at the water show, which felt like something straight out of Europe.

Antique Shops

One of my goals for this road trip was to explore antique shops and see what treasures I could find. The first one we stopped at had great reviews, but as soon as I stepped inside, I was stunned — and I should’ve turned right back around. The mix of demonic imagery placed next to Christian icons was unsettling. Lesson learned. Lord protect me.

The next shop, though, was wonderful — room after room filled with antiques, both large and small. You can never have too many vases, right? So I picked up a lovely one at a great price.

I wish I’d taken a picture of a photo album we found there, too. It documented the life of a man born in the 1940s — his mom had carefully recorded every milestone, from his first bike to his school days. Now the whole album sits, forgotten, in the basement of an antique store. It was a poignant reminder that our lives are fleeting.

We’re lucky that capturing moments is so easy now, but maybe that’s the trap — we take too many pictures. The real challenge is being present. Which is ironic, considering this blog is full of photos — ha!

Farewell to Laura

Laura sent me off well. Every evening we ate dinner on her lovely screened-in porch, watching the sunset. I’m so grateful for her friendship and the peace that seems to radiate from her home.

Coffee with another SENT member, Orlando Barros. He helps non profits develop donor plans.

https://mrpdonordev.com/

All around great guy! Full of the Holy Spirit and excited to help people build their non profits

Emmitsburg, MD

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes

This is a replica of the grotto Our Lady appeared in at Lourdes, France. This apparition is right up there with Fatima. Although I don’t know much about it. Yet.

The grounds not only had a replica of the grotto, but also a rosary, walking path with beautiful mosaics of each mystery, a statue of our Lady of Fatima and the children, this very interesting statue of the holy family with Saint Joseph, watching over our Blessed mother and baby Jesus, and mother Teresa. The gold covered statue of our Lady shined brightly against the cloudy skies that day!

Just down the road is the shrine of St Elizabeth Ann Seaton, the first American born saint.

I made it here in time for confession and afternoon mass but was pretty exhausted and still had an hour and a half drive to go so I skipped the tour . Next time!

And travel notes for the future: I can only handle one shrine per day. 😆

A Surprise in Radford, Virginia

before leaving The Ancient Lore Village, I needed a place to stay between Knoxville and Front Royal. With ChatGPT’s help, I landed in Radford, VA—a charming college town I’d never even heard and definitely would have missed since it sits back off the interstate a bit. The boutique Hilton hotel was only $120 a night, complete with a rooftop restaurant overlooking a stunning sunset.

Dinner was the Giles Chop (yes, my name was on the menu—meant to be!) followed by patio views where I met two wonderful new friends, Robin and Wayne. We bonded over bold red wines, sunset photos, and heartfelt conversation. Wayne, a Vietnam vet, shared stories of his war friend I’ll carry with me, while Robin told me about her antique business and their RV-ing days. Before we parted, they shared marriage advice they’ve lived by for years: “Bless each other every morning. It’s hard to fight with someone you’re praying for.” That alone was worth the stop.

Shenandoah Valley & More Connections

The next day, I drove part of Skyline Drive through Shenandoah Valley—from Luray to Front Royal. Thirty miles took an hour, but every overlook was worth it even with rain off and on.

In Front Royal, I connected with fellow members of the SENT Network.

Happy hour with Kate (a bookkeeper and new Catholic shop owner) and Bridget (marketing guru and mom of many talents) was full of laughter.

Later, I had dinner with Christen and Jason Manak, who run a business helping nonprofits streamline their tech. Inspiring conversations all around.

Before leaving Virginia, I detoured to Christ the King Chapel at Christendom College—and wow.

“Chapel” doesn’t do it justice; it felt like a cathedral, brimming with beauty and detail. I paused before a statue of Our Lady of Fatima, and instantly knew I was meant to be there. After a week on the road, that quiet time in front of the tabernacle was exactly the reset my soul needed.

You can get a 360 tour of the chapel here.

Nashville & Beyond: Old Friends, Holy Surprises, and Hobbit Adventures

I’ve been to Nashville enough times that the only real reason to come back is for friends.

Reconnecting with Aline

I spent two days with my friend Aline—remember her from Rome? She, her husband, and their new baby are stateside for a few months, and by God’s grace, the timing lined up perfectly with my drive through Tennessee. We squeezed in some much-needed catch-up time, and it was so good for my heart.

Saturday evening, we went to Mass at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, and it turned out to be something truly special. Earlier that day, several men were ordained, which meant we had the joy of attending Fr. Joseph’s very first Mass as a priest. Afterward, we received his first priestly blessing—an incredible gift.

The Cathedral is also a Jubilee pilgrimage site for the diocese, complete with an astounding relic collection. I was especially moved to see relics of my patron, St. Catherine of Siena. After Mass, we joined the reception for Fr. Joseph, where I ended up chatting with two priests who, by chance, knew my corner of Kansas well—one even had a Notre Dame roommate from my area. Small world moments like that always make me smile.

Gallatin Stop & Julie’s House

On my way to Gallatin, I stumbled across what might be the coolest hidden gem yet: Urban Cowboy Parlor, a historic home turned hotel, wine bar, pizza spot, and cocktail garden. Picture rich mahogany, leather-bound book vibes, an outdoor fire pit, and the energy of a cozy cigar lounge—minus the cigars. I’m definitely going back to spend a night there someday.

From there, I headed to see my friend Julie—hard to believe it had been three years since our last get-together! (Last time was our Door County trip—read about that here.)

My friend Julie is a Midlife Business Mentor and Brand Coach and her business is Bright Brand. She helps women in midlife create a clear message and build a business where they stand out, attract aligned clients, and thrive with confidence.

She just started a free community called Thrive and Shine so women who work for themselves don’t have to work by themselves. She offers a space for practical business-building Q&A, virtual coworking, networking, free training, hot seat coaching, and more. You can join for free here.

A Hobbit Village & Archery Bruises

Aline told me about a Hobbit village in eastern Tennessee—and as a Lord of the Rings fan, I couldn’t resist. This whimsical little place in Knoxville even has an archery range. I’ve been wanting to pick up archery again, so I signed up for an hour… but I’ll admit, solo archery is intense. After 15 minutes, I walked away with sore fingers, a bruised forearm, and a big grin.

The village itself was like stepping into someone’s sketchbook—a whimsical little town made real. The butterflies greeted me as if on queue.

They host retreats, have rooms for rent, and even an on-site restaurant. I immediately thought, This would be perfect for a future retreat! (Want on the waitlist? Message me.)

Next I head north…

The Maine goal: to eat a fresh caught Maine lobster on a picnic table next to the boat. And of course see all my people, learn some history, and discover hidden gems in between.

Days 1 and 2 are mostly driving. I did get some good eye candy at least!

Southeastern Kansas Surprises

Day one was a long haul across southern Kansas into Missouri—and wow, Southeast Kansas is prettier than I expected. Rolling hills, big leafy trees, and small towns that look like they’ve been plucked from a postcard.

Town to Remember: Winfield. Adorable main street, plenty of shops, and a highway lined with massive old trees arching overhead a nd historic homes behind them. Instant charm.

Things to note:

• Winfield, KS → Land Rush Museum + cute shops.

• Dexter, KS → birthplace of helium.

• Pecan Capital of Kansas → yep, Kansas has pecans.

• The vibe here feels a bit like driving from Fort Worth to Houston with more hills.

Morning Mass in Springfield

At sunrise, I slipped into Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. The tabernacle’s unique enclosure had architecture pointing upward—a visual nudge to keep looking toward heaven.

Coffee Meeting

Then on down the road to a small town with a coffee shop to meet Anthony Klosterman, a fellow member of the Catholic business community SENT Ventures. What I figured would be a 30 minute hello turned in to two hours of making a new friend. He brought one of his daughters, Charlotte, along as well to join us.

Anthony is a business coach who supports businesses in consecrating their companies to Jesus and living it out. Because we all know… saying we follow Jesus is one thing but it’s a whole other ballgame to actually do it.

He even gave me the inside scoop on the Finger Lakes in New York—his old stomping grounds.

He’s the third person in two days, who mentioned the finger lakes in New York state. Anthony’s family just happened to have grown up there and only recently moved to Missouri the past few years. So he gave me a rundown on all the places I need to see in New England!

A Tomato-Inspired Detour

Anthony mentioned Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, famous for specialty tomatoes. Still dreaming of the chef’s kiss Caprese salad I had in Colorado Springs a few weeks ago, I punched it into my GPS.

The route? Highway → blacktop → narrow dirt road → narrower bridges. The destination? A hidden frontier-style village surrounded by greenhouses.

Most storefronts were closed, but the blacksmith sent me to the seed store. There, a friendly guide whisked me through aisles of seeds, talking gardening like painting a Norman Rockwell scene.

“In the spring when these cherry tomatoes are ripe pick a bucket full. Fill the bucket with ice water and set it under a tree. Weed the garden for an hour then come back and set yourself up under the shade tree. Pop the tomatoes in your mouth…just like candy!”

I left with:

• carrot and beet seeds—fall crops you plant in late August, they’re hardy enough to withstand the first frost. Plant thick, thin after 30 days for a first harvest, then let the rest grow another couple of weeks for the big finale. I won’t be home in time to plant so mailing them to my mom for her garden.

• a few kinds of tomatoes I’ll attempt to grow in the spring including those candy like ones. I’ll need to look up instructions on these.

Highway 60: Antiques & Rivers

This stretch of Missouri is antique store heaven. I’ll need to come back with a truck.

Remind me later:

• Big Spring, MO → crystal-clear water, river floating.

• Van Buren, MO → hotels right on the river.

• Highway 60 → bring your antique-hunting shoes.

I crested a small hill that opened up into the longest stretch of straight flat road I think I’ve ever seen. Seriously. I’ve been across Nevada and you can always seen mountains in the distance. Or at least something. This stretch just faded into oblivion. And felt like forever to drive. Music pumped me up for awhile then a friend phoned and saved me from exhaustion. (Hands free of course.)

We were deep into a marketing co convo when…

Oh, I’m on a bridge. Oh, it’s a really big bridge. And it’s very narrow. It’s the Mississippi river!

Turn a corner and I’m on another bridge over the Ohio river. How these trucks do it I have no clue.

In less than a minute I think I touched three states.

…

On my last day I walk the way of the Little Shepherds again. Going on foot is much different than a tour bus. And being alone there’s more time for reflection.

I walk from the Basilica (where they grazed the sheep and Mary appeared) back to Aljustrel (where the kids’ homes are). My goal is to revisit the other apparition sites of Mary and the Angel.

There’s a Hungarian Stations of the Cross along the route and a church at the end I hadn’t been to before with the Curcifix on top overlooking the city.

The lone tree here is the last of the original holmoak trees from 1917. The original one Mary appeared on was stripped away long ago by pilgrims wanting a piece of peace.

The chapel to the left isnt the original either. The first chapel was blown up by Freemasons in 1922. They rebuilt.

…

My last Portuguese Lunch with Frank and great views! And wine. 🍷 🤩 It’s going to be sad going back to an American diet of no lunch wine and less bread. My waistline will probably appreciate it though

Pulling It All Together

I’ve been to Fatima twice now and still don’t know exactly how to talk about it. The Message of Fatima is big. I learned from the nuns we talked to that even they are still learning from it!

God’s goodness and mercy is THAT big.

When telling someone who’s never heard of Fatima where do I start?

With the Miracle of the Sun? That was a big deal but also doesn’t encompass the whole. A good attention getter though for skeptics!

Do I start with the history of Marian apparitions?

God took human form 2000 years ago and chose to come to us through Mary as His earthly mother. Her first documented apparition was actually while she was still alive! She bi located to encourage St James who was out preaching the Good News and getting discouraged.

Or do I need to alter how I share the Message of Fatima based on where the hearer is at in their faith journey? 🤷‍♀️

That’s probably the best.

So what IS the Message of Fatima? There’s no short and simple one liner, which is hard for someone who’s in marketing. I like short, sweet and to the point.

So here are my rambling thoughts on how I currently understand the Message of Fatima:

Mary asks us to return to the Lord. To pray for peace. More specifically to pray the rosary every day for peace and reparation of sins. Too many people don’t realize God made them because He wants them here. To be blunt, they are ungrateful for their gift of life. That hurts His Heart. (Imagine your kids being ungrateful that you put a roof over their head. Now multiply it by billions.) To repair the hurt and console His Heart, we can offer sacrifices to Him. Don’t go too dark here. Not like animal sacrifice. Or worse… human life sacrifice. Anything can be a sacrifice offered to God. The shepherd children would forgo their lunch and give it to other poor kids. If they got hurt, they’d unite their pain with Christ on the cross and say “for love of You, Jesus.”

• Turn your suffering into sacrifice.

• Say no to little things now when it doesn’t really matter to build up those spiritual muscles for saying no later when it does matter.

We don’t ask for suffering. We accept any sufferings we get with a gracious heart and offer it over to God.

Will I go back to Fatima again?

God willing I can do this every year. Frank has been over 45 times and still learns something new each time.

After my second visit I get that.

This round, I understand so many more connections between what was happening in the world (spread of atheistic communism) and why God sent Mary to appear in Fatima at the time she did.

What’s next?

I love talking about Fatima and the love of God! The more I let Him in, the bigger my smile gets.

If you want to chat about my experience (and the unpublished content), I’m happy to share over a glass of wine. 🍷 😉

Until the next adventure, God bless!

Megan

PS can we also celebrate the fact that I kept up with posting DURING the journey?! I still have unpublished postes from last summer. High five to me!

The laundromat down the street from the hotel is very clean. Figuring out where to put money and when to push buttons is a whole other matter.

There are 2 prices listed. One for locals who have a prepaid card and a higher rate for cash customers. Pricing is also divided up by the machine size.

Plan on a 2 hour adventure here.

Step 1:

load the washing machine. Even the smaller drums are pretty roomy so stuff it all in!

Step 2:

Insert cash or coins. You’ll get change back is unused.

Step 3:

Press button that correlates with your chosen machine.

Step 4:

Ensure door is closed, pick a temp and hit start.

The countdown timer is off. It’ll take about 10 min longer than I says.

Step 5:

Get a snack next door.

Step 6:

When it’s done, hit open button. Let it click twice to fully unlock. I fought with this button a bit to release my clothes back to me. Patience.

Step 7:

Repeat steps for dryer.

Checkout that green camper van! Think I’d look good in it? (Stateside of course)

I don’t recall seeing this many campers last year. By the time I left this lot next to the Basilica of the Holy Rosary was full!

Monastery of Batalha

Initially built to celebrate the Portuguese victory of the battle in 1385.

Now it’s a church with museum and tombs of past royalty. You can read an article description here: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/264/

Can you see what’s off with the statue? it may not be as noticeable in a photo.

The king and queen are holding hands until the end of time.

I appreciate how real the king is depicted, double chin and all!

One of the rooms houses the 2 unknown soldiers from WWI below this crucifix that was found on the battlefield.

We were there for changing of the guard. I vacillated between feeling irreverent for taking photos and wanting to capture the moment to share so we can all reflect on what this world had been through.

The Unfinished Chapels

On the backside are the Unfinished Chapels of the Batalha Monastery. Construction on these chapels began around 1437, commissioned by King Duarte as a royal pantheon. They were meant to be a stunning Gothic masterpiece. Look ay the intricate stonework taking shape. But then, in 1511, things ground to a halt. Why? Well, King Manuel I, who took over from Duarte, shifted his focus (and funds) to other projects, particularly the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon. (I got to visit that last year!) Plus, resources were stretched thin with Portugal’s expanding overseas empire. So, the chapels were left as they were, a beautiful, roofless testament to a grand vision that never quite reached completion.

One of my nephews asked me to bring back nerf guns. I haven’t seen any of those yet. Think I could get these past airport security?

Our Lady of Nazare

This was the main pilgrimage apparition site before Our Lady appeared in Fatima. Fishermen and military would come pray at this church before going out to sea.

My retelling of the apparition:

A long long time ago right here in Nazare, Christianity had spread. The church here had a statue of Our Lady nursing Baby Jesus. They say it was carved by St Joseph and painted by St Luke.

Then the Moors were coming… this is a recurring theme in Portuguese history. I guess Christian history too. The enemy is always trying to wipe us out.

Anyways… the priests hid the statue in the side of the cliff by the church.

Years and years later peace was back in the country. A nobleman was out hunting on horseback. He was chasing a deer so fast that his horse would have followed the deer off the cliff but a bright light shone with Our Lady and kept them from plunging to their death!

She showed them where the statue was and so it was returned to the church where it is today. Visitors can go back into the sacristy (pictured with blue walls) and up some stairs to get a view of the statue up close.

Another of my favorite stories and churches. It makes me smile to think about.

A small chapel was built on the edge of the cliff they almost went over.

This part of Portugal’s coast is known for their rad waves. (Or is it gnarly?)

This pic is from last year. We didn’t have time to walk over to see the major waves this time.

They were definitely bigger than I would venture in to.

It was another rainy day so after lunch while others were shopping I found my way to a patio.

Goodbye dinner

Brother Jaime was a joy to have on this journey. his smile was always present no matter the weather.

He’s from the US and is now in Mexico founding a religious order for St Juan Diego, the man who saw Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico. That’s another important Mary apparition leading to 9 million Mexicans practicing human sacrifice converting to Christianity in the 1500s.

Saying goodbye to new friends is always bittersweet. Praying I see them all again sooner than later!

They left early the next morning after a final Mass together. I’m staying on a few more days to let it all sink in.

Obidos: a Fairytale kingdom.

The fortified walls surrounding the hilltop town are still in tact. We traverse the narrow Cobblestone streets to one of my favorite churches for Mass.

Santa Maria de Obidos

The old building smell is strong but there’s something about this place. Maybe it’s the quiet? It doesn’t feel as touristy as some of the bigger cities. These are also the hardest kneelers I live been on. Made of wood, but I’m pretty sure it’s harder than stone. A quiet penance to offer up. Except for the fact that I’m writing about it so maybe it’s not as sacrificial. Just want you to feel like you’re here with me!

It’s a beautiful day for a patio!

We spend the rest of the morning enjoying the weather.

Monestary of Alcobeca

Built in honor of St Bernard of Clairvaox the cousin of the first king of Portugal. Built over 400 years for Cistercian monks who follow the rule of St Benedict. Something I will learn about one day.

Some say at one point there were 1000 monks living here! It’s definitely big enough being the Largest church in all of Portugal.

The white stone walls of the church are kept empty to give monks the silence and space to be with God. The church is built to resemble God in depth, height and vastness.

They also wanted light in its natural form so you won’t find stained glass here.

The alter is kept simple too with the most important images: Our Lord and Our Lady.

There are 500 active parishioners today.

There’s a story about a King’s mistress he claimed to marry in secret. But someone thought it wasn’t right so they killed her. Of course the heartbroken king didn’t like that so he took out the hearts of the men who killed her. I didn’t get all the details but that’s the gist. Both are buried here.

It’s all about who you know! Our fearless pilgrimage leaders have connections to get us insider access. The sacristy is not open to the public. We got a private tour from the main pastor.

At the end of the sacristy is a 400 year old Reliquary. The pastor led us in prayer in this very special place.

And that’s just the church. There’s a whole monetary that’s now a museum to see!

Feeding that many means a big kitchen.

This kitchen comes equipped with its own river fed pond. No need for a fishing pole. The fish come to the chef!

Then to keep the monks in line there’s a door to ensure they are staying fit.

If you couldn’t fit through the door it means it’s time to fast more. I did not think to include a door like this when remodeling. The pantry isn’t done so maybe I should consider it. 😆

The bedroom is huge with a beautiful lookout one way and direct access to the church another..

Can you tell the time?

Another architectural feature I appreciate is how they did added variation within the uniformity. Look closer at that last photo. The medallions are circles but each have different patterns. It makes me think of all of humanity. From a distance we look the same but up close we have our unique variations. This is repeated on all the arches and columns and any place there’s a circular medallion.

These stairs take you up or down and all around!

…

That evening at dinner I was not planning on attending the international rosary. I went last year. Hear about that here. It starts late. It’s cold outside. So many reasons not to go.

But then… I hear another pilgrim say “I just don’t get anything out of it.” And it all clicked in my heart.

We don’t pray the rosary to get something out of it (although I started that way), it’s an act of love for God. It’s not a box to check. It’s a relationship building block.

So I went. And I’m grateful I did.

Our pilgrims had the 4th Glorious Mystery just like I did last year and it had the same scripture I read last year. And I teared up. Just like last year.

I’ve also been practicing the rosary in Latin so I was able to follow along better with the other decades we prayed!

‘Twas a bit rainy when we rolled into town and there was a hike from where the bus could park to get to the hotel… an adventure!

I forgot my umbrella. Thankfully I have friends in the group.

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

the place of burial for St. James the Greater, one of the twelve apostles and the first to be martyred. This holy shrine has been one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites since medieval times outside of Rome and Jerusalem. The Cathedral had its groundbreaking in 1060.

St. James tried to evangelize the Iberian Peninsula about 40 years after the resurrection of Christ. The people did not react very enthusiastically to the good news of the Gospel he preached. One day in prayer the Blessed Virgin (who was still alive at the time so she bi-located) appeared to St. James. She was a top a pillar of jasper carried by angels. She was holding a small wooden statue of herself which she gave to St. James, requesting a church be built on that spot. There is now a beautiful Basilica there known as Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, Spain. St. James returned to Jerusalem where he was beheaded. His

body was then taken back to Spain. It was at this time that conversions to the faith flourished. The blood of the martyrs

is the seed of the Church.

Many people walk the Camino de Santiago now. I’m curious how many realize that it’s a Christian pilgrimage not just an extreme hike.

The massive cathedral has lots of side chapels with statues. This one caught my attention the most. In a church covered in gold leaf the blood on the crucifix stands out.

Botafumeiro

At the end of Mass we had the joy of experiencing the giant thurible (incenser) that takes eight men to swing. I saw this in a movie a few months ago and wondered where it was funny how so many seemingly little things I saw online or in a movie within this last year I’m now seeing in real life!

Hospedería San Martín Pinario

Our hotel is a XVIth century monastery.

The restaurant is the old cafeteria for the monks.

Since they lived mostly in silence someone would read scripture to them from the lookout (not a technical term) above. The acoustics are solid.

I didn’t learn until the end of devouring dessert that it’s the famous cake from Santiago.

It was good.

And the wine! 🤤 I would like more of this in my life.

Church of Santa Maria Salome

Salome is the mother of the apostles St. James and St. John, and one of the “three Marys” at the foot of the cross.

We had mass first thing in the morning. It was a joy to watch the lights slowly come on as if the church as waking up with the world.

We didn’t visit in this order but for sake of keeping the apparitions semi organized I’ll write it out in the order it happened.

We head north to Spain!

Convent of St. Dorothy In Pontevedra, Spain

On December 10, 1925 while praying in the chapel, Our Mother Mary and Child Jesus appeared to Sr. Lucia to request the First Saturday Devotion.

At this same convent, on February 15, 1926, Sr Lucia is out in the garden. A young boy walks by and they start chatting. She asks him if he knows the Hail Mary. He says yes. She tries to get him to say it with her. He doesn’t.

She encourages him to go visit this church down the street.

He then asks her if she’s spreading the Frist Saturday Devotion like Our Blessed Mother asked. She realizes this isn’t any boy, this is the Child Jesus!

There’s a curious statue in the garden (pictured) with an interesting dedication connected to the US. Call me to hear the rest of the story on this one! I don’t want to put speculation in writing. But hearing this story last year is what convinced me to practice the First Saturdays.

This is the church down the street:

Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Pontevedra)

No photos of course but they do have videos explaining every bit of the church! I wish I’d have walked around to the front too after googling it… whoa!

This video is particularly interesting explaining the crucifix in this church. I’ve been analyzing them more. So many of the crucifixes in the US are “sanitized”… cleaned up. Not bloody. I think it’s hard then to reflect on what He sacrificed, the brutality He went through so we could spend eternity in heaven. I’ve heard reflections on connecting our sins today to piercing His Heart the same way (or worse) as being scourged at the pillar. And if you’re a mom you probably understand better than the rest of us how much your heart hurts when someone hurts your kid.

…

Down the road in Tui, Spain…

Dorthean Convent

This is the Chapel where the last Fatima apparition occurred: the Apparition of the Most Holy Trinity on June 13, 1929.

Sr Lucia was praying her holy hour from 11pm to midnight as she always did. The only light in the chapel was the tabernacle candle. Then the Holy Trinity with Our Lady and the words Grace and Mercy appear. This is a recreation based on Sr Lucia’s description.

The Sacred Way

The area around our hotel is known as The Sacred Way with life sized carved statues of Our Lord’s Passion. These sacred stairs have been a site of devotion for pilgrims since 1811. My new friend Joyce and I walked it together praying along the way.

The stations were each inside these buildings:

The final scenes of Jesus on the cross are inside the church.

Bom Jesus

I had the honor of being lector for Mass today in this amazing church on Our Lady’s holy mountain. This also means I got to sit right up close!

Rosary Crusade

Things are slowly connecting for me with the Fatima timeline linked to world events. Last year I didn’t catch that part of how communism was spreading in the early 1900s.

We heard from more sisters from Alianca de Santa Maria. One of them is an original!

Brief background: in 1958, Maria Aurea, a teacher in Portugal, attends an educational conference in Belguim and has an experience that makes her realize that the Message of Fatima is much more significant than she previously thought. In the coming years she forms a prayer group of ladies to spread the Message of Fatima. The third lady to join is Sr. Marie Alice, whom we got to hear from!

In 1974-1975, another Revolution happened in Portugal that brought the menace of a communist-atheist government. The Holy Spirit and Our Lady were inspiring the now 5 women in this small prayer group to boldly announce the Gospel and the Message of Fatima. They traveled the country like our original apostles in what came to be known as the National Rosary Crusade - Pray the rosary daily to fight off communism. The ladies not only faced risk from the communist government but also didn’t all have their families’ support at the time. This very risky campaign paid off. On the eve of Christ the King in 1975, they obtained the one millionth pledge to pray the Rosary daily. The next week a new socialist government took power removing the influence of communist-atheism in Portugal. The power of prayer.

In 1996, they start another national rosary crusade to fight off on-demand abortion. Again the Lord answered prayers and abortion laws are very strict with a 3 day waiting period within first 10 weeks.

This group of holy women officially become a religious congregation in 2002.

…

I spent the afternoon walking around the park and taking a much appreciated nap!

Blessed Alexandrina at Balazar

This lady’s story really stuck me the first time I heard it. This year I’m making the connections better. She lived the Message of Fatima perfectly. She was devoted to Our Lord and offered her suffering for poor sinners.

The Life of Blessed Alexandrina Maria da Costa (with the help of AI writing)

Blessed Alexandrina, born on March 30, 1904, in Balasar, Portugal, is a remarkable figure in the Catholic Church, known for her deep mystical experiences and profound love for Christ. Her life can be seen as a beautiful journey of faith, suffering, and love.

Let’s walk through her home and life:

From a young age, Alexandrina exhibited a strong spiritual inclination. However, her life took a dramatic turn at the age of 14 when she was home with her sister and friend when men with bad intentions broke in. The girls blocked the doors and pulled a sewing machine on top of this trap door.

The guys still got in.

To preserve her purity Alexandrina jumped out of this window. Im guessing there weren’t bushes here then.

She’s hurt but still gets up and is able to save the other girls before anyone was hurt.

Her health declined from the injury until she was completely bedridden by age 21.

This physical limitation could have led her to despair, but instead, Alexandrina embraced her suffering as a means to unite herself more closely with Christ. She often referred to her suffering as a way to express her love for Jesus, embodying the spirit of sacrifice and reparation for the sins of humanity.

From 1932-1942 she had mystical experiences including visions of Christ and the Virgin Mary.

Every Friday from noon to 3pm she’d go into a trace like state were she was able to get out of bed and relive the passion of Christ on this very rug.

Doctors would try to pick her up but they couldn’t. Later when questioned she said that’s when she, as Christ, was carrying the weight of the world’s sins.

She spoke with Jeuss many times. He told her, “let devotion to My Real Presence in the tabernacle be preached and spread abroad because for many days no one comes to visit Me; they don’t love Me, they don’t make reparation to Me. They don’t believe that I live there.”

For the last 13 years of her life, Alexandrina lived on the Eucharist only, no food or drink. The Church was skeptical and she was taken to a hospital in Oporto for observation for a month. Two body guards stood at the door 24/7 to ensure no food was getting snuck in.

At the end of the month an agnostic doctor also couldn’t believe it. Her vitals were normal. He kept her an extra 10 days for observation and concluded no foul play. This is a miracle.

This profound connection to the Eucharist and her willingness to suffer for the sake of others exemplified her deep love for God and humanity.

Alexandrina’s life was marked by her commitment to prayer and her desire to lead others to Christ. She became a source of inspiration for many, encouraging them to find meaning in their own sufferings and to turn to the Eucharist for strength. Her motto, “suffer, love, make reparation,” encapsulates her approach to life and faith.

She passed away on October 13, 1955, (recall Oct 13 is the anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun!) and her legacy continues to inspire countless individuals.

Alexandrina was beatified by St. Pope John Paul II on April 25, 2004, recognizing her as a model of holiness and a testament to the power of love and sacrifice in the Christian life. Her story serves as a reminder of the transformative power of suffering when united with Christ and the importance of the Eucharist in the life of a believer.

I myself still struggle with the idea of suffering being a good thing. I like comfort. But in this journey toward heaven I pray I’ll get it eventually.

Consoling the hearts of Jesus and Mary for the indifference so many people have toward them makes sense. God made each person yet so many don’t even acknowledge Him! Or they say they know Him but don’t really spend any time with Him. This was me for a long time. I try to be aware of His presence throughout my day.

To make the story of Alexandrina even more real our local guide has a direct connection to her!

When she was still alive, people would come to her to pray and ask for advice. A young girl and her boyfriend visited once. Alexandrina told the girl privately this isn’t the man you will marry. She broke up with him and years later she married a widower with 7 children. She had 10 more children with him. Number 15 is our guide’s wife! They are a devout family with a load of kids themselves. So many lives connected to Blessed Alexandrina.

There’s a new huge church being built across from her home.

Down the street from Alexandrina’s home…

Little Chapel of the Miracle of the Cross

In 1832, just 100 years before Alexandria picked up her cross, a cross appeared in the dirt.

The local Priest said to cover it up but it kept reappearing. The man pictured asked to build a chapel over it.

And so he did.

Now it’s a pilgrimage site where people can dig up some of the dirt to take home.

The dirt never runs out… there’s always enough.

…

Another pilgrim and I were discussing suffering. I don’t get it. I don’t want it. I’m definitely not strong enough for it.

Lesson from Fr John: We shouldn’t ask for suffering but we should accept whatever suffering does come our way and offer it to Christ as reparation for sins.

…

Next stop:

Braga, Portugal

We move hotels to a mountain in Braga. Next to the hotel is Bom Jesus (Good Jesus) church.

The grounds and view are breathtaking. We’ll be back to this later.

Around the mountain from our hotels is…

Shrine of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

My phone died when we arrived at our last stop of the day at the Convent of the Holy Cross. Again breathtaking views.

This is one of the highlights on the trip! Although everyday kinda has a lot of highlights. But today we get to see up close the Eucharistic Miracle of Santarem from 1247.

It’s well documented and has been studied by atheistic scientists to verify that yes, it’s real blood - living blood. Read the story for all the scientific details. Read below for my retelling of how it came to be.

St Stephens

A lady thought her husband was cheating on her so she went to the local fortune teller. The fortune teller asked for her to bring her a consecrated host (the holy Eucharist) and she’d tell her. The lady went to mass and instead of consuming the Eucharist she stuffed it in her headscarf.

On the walk back to the fortune teller people kept asking why her head was bleeding! She beelined for home instead and stuffed the bloody Eucharist and scarf into her dresser.

That night the dresser shook and shone a bright light! She then confessed to her husband what she’d done. The got the parish priest who took the bloody host back to the tabernacle.

The faithful can now go pray here.

Royal Basilica of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Commissioned by the Queen, this Basilica was the first church in the world dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Behind the tomb of the Queen is…

Largest nativity scene in the world.

Commissioned in year 1781, read full story and description here.

My own observance:

The slaughter of holy innocents is the first thing I see - it’s right at eye level for me.

Then tucked back around the corner is a bar scene with men gambling and drinking. It shows that the world is still going on. Not everyone is aware that God Himself has come down to earth!

The colonial guy seems out of place. I’m assuming he represents the present time and how the birth of Christ is for each one of us.

The shepherds are awakened by the angels

The best scene in the middle of it all:

Poor Clare Convent and

Orphanage

Back in 1920, this was simply an orphanage and not a convent. When Jacinta became ill with the Spanish flu she was brought to Lisbon for surgery. Lisbon had the best children’s hospital around.

They say the infection on or near her lung (I didn’t pay good attention here) was so bad she smelled and people move away from her on the train ride.

Her mom had other kids to take care of so she left Jacinta in Lisbon at this orphanage.

She spent 12 days here at the orphanage before being transferred to the hospital.

This is her bed.

The only time the nuns saw Jacinta cry was when the sister went to move that chair next to her bed to another spot. “Oh please don’t move that chair. That’s where Our Lady sits when she visits me.”

Jacinta was comforted by the Blessed Mother throughout her suffering.

No disney princess can top this “tower window” to look out. Little Jacinta was able to open this and look into the church that had the Blessed Sacrament there in the tabernacle.

Today, this is a convent for Poor Clare nuns. They make most of the holy bread for mass for the entire country!

Estafani Hospital

In mid-19th century Lisbon, amidst cholera and yellow fever outbreaks, Queen Stephanie sought to establish a dedicated children’s hospital. Though she died prematurely, King Peter V honored her vision, resulting in the construction of the renowned Queen Stephanie’s Hospital, considered a model of its time.

Our Lady had asked Jacinta if she was ready to go to heaven or wanted to stay a little longer to suffer for poor sinners. Jacinta, still a child, chose to stay.

She was brought to this hospital for surgery and because her heart was weak didn’t get anesthesia. She was awake the whole time 2 ribs were removed. She dedicated her pain to the conversion of sinners.

Can you imagine!

She died the next day.

We prayed in the place she died which is now a hallway then it was a large ward with beds lined up. Then we visited the hospital’s chapel and heard from the priest.

What’s with suffering?

I’ve been getting questions. And it’s not something I fully understand myself. I’m not about to seek out suffering. Let’s try to break it down from my understanding.

Colossians 1:24

Nothing is actually lacking in Christ’s suffering of course. We can unite our sufferings - big and small - to His for the salvation of souls. Some people are asked to suffer more than others. Fr Mike talks about it a bit here. I’ll share as I learn more.

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That was a big day! We came back to the hotel for debriefing in the hotel bar with my new friends!

Today is the feast day of Sts Jacinta and Francisco! The 2 Fatima seers (the shepherd children).

Basilica of the Holy Rosary

Our group got the very first mass of the day at 6am next to their tombs. This is on the hill where the children were playing when Mary first appeared.

Just down the hill is where Mary did appear which has an outdoor chapel now called the Capelinha. The place with the bright lights in the photo.

There are reports some documented and some not about miraculous healings. Fatima converts and heals the heart.

St Anthony Parish

This is the home parish of the children where they were baptized. We renew our baptismal vows today as well!

The original church was from 1500s.

This is my kind of church. Small. Intimate. Beautiful. And get a load of these stories.

Our Lady of Joy

In 1808 Napoleon invasions were happening. The parishioners hid this statue in the wall to save it. But then it was forgotten. In 1919 they found her again during a remodel.

Our Lady with 15 decade rosary

When any woman in the parish was to give birth they’d take this very rosary down for her to pray on for a healthy delivery.

Then! when Lucia was 6 she was sad that she still had to wait two more years for first communion. There was a visiting priest there for confessions that day for the group about to make their first communion. He spoke with little Lucia to learn she knew the catechism very well. He approved her to receive her first communion that year. After receiving she went to pray in front of this statue asking Our Lady to make her heart just for God. The statue came to life smiling at Lucia. She didn’t tell anyone until years later in her memoirs.

The children’s school was nearby. Our Lady had told the children Francisco and Jacinta would go to heaven soon. Francisco decided being with Jesus in the Blessrd Sacrament at church was most important. So he skipped schoola f. Spend hours in front of this very tabernacle praying.

After school Lucia would pop in and snap her fingers so he knew it was time to go home.

The children’s fame spread and they were being sought out constantly. Fransico was shy and didn’t like the attention. If people came to find him in the church he’d hide in this pulpit.

The parish cemetery includes:

Jacinta Bob

This is the American who pushed for beatification of Jacinta. Born in PA. Orphaned at 15. Joined navy as soon as he could. After the navy he came to Fatima and spent his life sharing the message of Fatima and passing out prayer cards for the beatification of Jacinta.

Castle of Ourem

When the commissioner/administrator of police(not mayor) captured the children he took them here and threatened to boil them in oil.

He wanted to know the secret Our Lady told them (remember this was atheistic communist rule. Religion is outlawed.) The children held strong though and were finally let go.

This place dates back father to before Roman Empire!

My notes missed some details so you’ll have to read a history book for details. Here are the highlights I found interesting:

Strategically built here. During 100 years war you Could see fires by night and dust from horses during the day if Spanish troops were advancing.

Some new Conservation treaty says they can’t restore old buildings back to the original. Our guide didn’t sound very happy about that. And he’s a history guy.

The most notable tenant was St Nuno (statue is him). He became a General at age 16. Won every battle fought because he attributed all victories to Our Lady.

On August 13, 1385 The troops horses all stopped to kneel in a certain place. Now they think it’s where Our Lady appeared in the Cova de Iria. This is Another reason they think why she appeared in Fatima in 1917.

He was an amazing military man and worth reading up on for his strategies in battle. And his mercy. He didn’t want to kill anyone but he also wanted to defend his country. He had his page get every name of the men he killed. Most guys kept a list for bragging rights. Nuno would instead take care of the widows and orphans of the men he killed in battle.

Nuno was the Wealthiest Guy in Portugal then denounced all he had and entered Carmelite monastery to clean the latrines. An entire giving of self to God.

Our guide’s mom was miraculously healed in 2000 leading to canonization of St Nuno!

Watch tower:

When the king went to battle they left all valuables, Queen and kids in this tower that could only be accessed by ladder or rope. (Or very long hair perhaps 🤔). Access would be removed if an enemy came thus keeping all the treasures safe.

One King planted this forest that would eventually be harvested to build the ships that found the new world. He was thinking ahead of the kingdoms’s fleet!

Just down the hill from the castle is the chapel of relics. Inside are tens of thousands of relics of saints. It’s a Sacred repository of relics no longer in use collected over past 35 years. It’s Not a museum.

It’s said to be insured for 4x the economy of France. I don’t know what that number is. But guessing it’s a lot.

Portal of the Resurrection.

This door will only be opened when Christ comes again. Literally. Not symbolically, from what I understand.

Lunch is at the medieval themed culinary school next door.

The deer head looks like their version of a jackalope except it’s like half wild boar half deer.

…

A quick visit with the Dominicans nuns of the Perpetual Rosary. There are 9 nuns in this convent and they have someone praying the rosary 24/7. What do they pray for? Us and the entire world!

How to summarize Fatima Message from Sister Jacinta at Perpetual Rosary:

• Love: love our Lord and one another

• Gratitude: thank God for everything

• Reparation: when we love God we can repair the hurt that He is not loved by others.

• Consolation: We can console Him and Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart.

• Joy: that doesn’t mean everything is nice all the time. It’s serenity that I am secure knowing I’m loved by God.

Love and joy bookend the message. They will last forever. In between is suffering.

These sisters are praying the rosary perpetually (continuously) for the world. They get letters from people a lot.

How can we pray for them? ask the Holy Spirit for them to be holy, and for priests to be holy, and for each of us to be holy. Pray for vocations to the consecrated life.

Another thing to note:

• Without order there’s chaos.

• There’s no need to be afraid. Trust in the Lord.

…

Then another talk from Sr Angela on the spiritual lives of the children. Jacinta went from a spoiled selfish 6 year old to praying the rosary and offering sacrifices. Francisco went from not caring much of anything to spiritually contemplative wanting to “make company to the hidden Jesus.”

Both showing us how we can be close to God in so many different ways.

…

Tia Alice

This was a highlight for me last year. The shrimp salad 🤩 is definitely something to write home about! It includes all kinds of fruit, cabbage, nuts, mayo maybe? And giant shrimps.

For the main course we have veal 🤤 and roasted potatoes. The herbed butter hits the spot as well.

I lost all my notes on this one so here’s what I can remember…

Monastery of St Teresa in Coimbra

This is a cloistered order of nuns. After Mass we got to visit with one of the sisters who knew Sr Lucia! Were told she had a great sense of humor.

Someone asked what she thinks the gravest sin plaguing the world right now is. Her answer: we are missing the interior life. Everything is focused outward (jobs, spots, politics) and we don’t leave much room to spend time with God. the solution: silence. Spend more time in silence with God.

My own commentary on the new age movement of self care and connecting with yourself. This is not the same thing. The new age focuses on self and being your own hero excluding God completely. What she’s talking about is growing closer to God through true silence. We talk about needing to slow down but how often do we actually do it? I’m guilty of going from one thing to the next and not giving God real time to talk to me.

…

Blue tiles are a big thing here. Blue doesn’t fade with the sun so it makes for art that lasts.

St Anthony Church of the Olive Groves

St Anthony is best know as patron saint of lost things. And for being from Padua. He’s actually from Portugal! His earthly life was full of miracles.

My favorite Eucharistic Miracle.

A pagan was arguing with Anthony about the Jesus being truly present in the Eucharist. To settle the debate they starved the pagan’s donkey for 3 days. Then they put the donkey between them. The pagan guy had hay or grain (donkey food) and Anthony had the Eucharist. When let go the donkey went over to Anthony and knelt down! I wonder how many converted that day.

Anthony loved preaching the gospel. One time the people wouldn’t listen to him so he went a preached to the fish who all came up to the surface.

In another instance when people were paying attention to his preaching a young man took him quit literally “if your hand causes you to sin cut it off.” He had kicked his mom that morning so he cut off his own foot! The mom went to Anthony probably in a panic and asked Anthony to fix he. Through the power of God, he restored the man’s foot to normal.

And many many more miracles are shown on the walls of this small church!

Rewind to last month: I decided to go carnivore for the month of January - no sugar, bread or booze and minimal veggies. With the caveat of feasting with the Church! I’ve been wanting to live my faith more in everyday life feasting and fasting with the church calendar. Well on a Thursday a few weeks in I’m done. I’m weak. And I’d like a glass of wine! So I call up my sister and see if she’s up for happy hour too. I look up the Saint of the day for who we are feasting for. I’m good at finding loopholes. It’s St Berard and companions, the patron saints of Morocco, 5 friars who went to evangelize and were martyred. We made Moroccan inspired meatballs and I got to tell the kids about the martyrs.

Back in Portugal… I’m reminded of these guys. THIS is also the church 5 Franciscan friars stopped at on their way to evangelize Morocco.

And I saw their relics at the next church visit:

Monastery of Santa Cruz (Holy Cross)

This church also has a huge collection of relics.

last time I did this pilgrimage Martha and myself were the last one here with the priest. I had lots of questions on this. He led us in prayer in this very special room with over 5000 relics of holy people. We made it a tradition and had Fr John lead us on this trip.

The choir loft is pretty awesome here too:

Monastery of Santa Clara

This is where St Elizabeth of Portugal is. She led a very holy life despite marrying King Dennis who was not the best guy. She was known to feed the poor frequently. Once when she was taking bread to the poor the king demanded to give him the bread wrapped up in her apron. When she opened it roses fell out! Her body remains in corrupt and her tomb is opened every 7 years. They say it smells like roses.

She’s the patron said of troubled marriages.

The little doors are where the nuns would come through to pray in the church. Lots of fascinating history here with raids and miracles! I wish I had my notes.

On the way out I noticed this crucifix. I’m into analyzing them now.

It’s missing the wound on his side. Upon asking our pilgrimage Decon we analyze more. His head is looking up so this is before He died. Something to meditate on.

Carmel of St Joseph

We start the day with Mass at this Cloistered convent. Fr John gave a great homily making a key point that while Fatima is a very special place we have the same Jesus and Mary back home. So if you are not a traveler. Fear not! You don’t have to fly across the ocean to connect with them.

So why this place? This pilgrimage?

To simply say Mary appeared to 3 kids in 1917 doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of Fatima. A lot happened. Including the Miracle of the Sun seen by 70,000 people! The sun danced in the sky spinning around. In bright colors for 10 minutes. People thought they were going to die. And many non believers converted. And the lukewarm Christians grew more faithful.

So over the next week we’re going to walk through allllll that happened around the Fatima apparitions and even learn about some others!

Today we start in Aljustrel, the village where the children were born.

Aljustrel

We tour their houses and see where they kept their sheep then walk the same path they did. This is where it’s going to feel messy explaining it all. There’s a lot. Too much to write about so I’ll hit the highlights only.

Here’s the Marto house:

Mary appeared in the doorway I’m standing in to tell Francisco she’d take him to heaven in a few days.

Here’s the Santos house:

Lucia’s house.

Quick story: The kids would play a game where the loser had to kiss their uncle. Lucia said, “no I will kiss the cross of Jesus.”

Pictured is that crucifix.

Also note on museum signage: projections! I haven’t seen this before. I like that it keeps the integrity of the structure and would be easier to update. I haven’t designed museum signage…yet!

…

These were normal kids.

Lucia Santos (youngest of 6) and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto (youngest of 9) had a herd of sheep they took care of. They’d herd the sheep to water and grazing each day.

Jacinta was the baby of the family. A spoiled little girl. She danced and sang. If she got upset she’d run to a corner and wait for someone to come console her. Typical 6 year old. This is important to note because she changes in a radical way.

They prayed the rosary fast so they could get back to their games while herding the sheep. Our Father, Hail Mary, Hail Mary, Hail Mary… not praying the full prayer.

Then the apparitions begin. And their hearts change.

Spring, 1916: First apparition of the Angel

The Angel of Peace appeared to 9-year-old Lucia Dos Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto age 8 and 6. The Angel demonstrated to the children the fervent, attentive, and composed manner in which we should all pray, and the reverence we should show toward God in prayer teaching them this prayer:

“My God I believe, I adore, I hope and I love You. I ask pardon of those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love You.”

This is the place of the first and third apparitions:

Summer, 1916: Second apparition of the Angel

Behind Lucia’s house at the well, The Angel appeared to the children, who were playing, and urged them to pray. The angel said “I am the guardian Angel of Portugal. Offer all that you do to the Most High as prayers and sacrifices.”

Jacinta had a vision of the Pope on his knees with face in hands crying. People were throwing stones at him and shouting ugly words. Jacinta had an affection for the Holy Father after that saying we must pray for him.

This is that place:

Fall, 1916: Third apparition of the Angel

In his third and final apparition to the children, the Angel gave them Holy Communion, and demonstrated the proper way to receive Our Lord in the Eucharist: all three children knelt to receive Communion, and Lucy was given the Sacred Host on the tongue and the Angel shared the Blood of the Chalice between Francisco and Jacinta.

They learned another prayer:

“Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I adore You profoundly, and offer you the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles of the world, in reparation for all the outrages, sacrileges, and indifference with which He is offended. And through the infinite merits of his Most Sacred Heart and of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg the conversion of poor sinners.”

This was the same place the first apparition occurred.

APPARITIONS OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY

May 13, 1917

Our Lady appears to the three children at the Cova da Iria and asks that they return for five more months in succession, on the 13th day, at the same hour. She promises to take them to Heaven and she asks them to pray the rosary every day.

It was just holmoak trees and grazing land then. Now there’s a chapel and lots of room for the thousands (or millions) of pilgrims that come each year.

On the way home that day Lucia tells the others they shouldn’t tell anyone about this. But 6 year olds aren’t good with secrets. Jacinta spills the beans. She tells her mom they saw the most beautiful lady!

Word spreads.

June 13, 1917

About 50 people come to the Cova da Iria to witness the apparition.

Our Lady tells the children that God wants to establish in the world devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Only the 3 children can see her. Only the girls can hear her.

July 13, 1917

About 5,000 people come.

Our Lady shows the children a vision of hell and tells them that she will come back at a later date to ask for the consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart and the Communion of Reparation on the First Saturdays. She tells the children the Secret and promises to prove Her appearances with a miracle on October 13, 1917.

August 13, 1917

The children are kidnapped by the Mayor of Ourem (remember the country is under communist regime now) and miss their appointed meeting with Our Lady.

About 15,000 people come to the Cova and many witness supernatural phenomena indicating that Our Lady came nonetheless.

The mayor imprisoned and threatened to boil the children in oil if they didn’t tell him what Our Lady had said. He holds them several days and giving up releases them.

August 19, 1917

Our Lady visits the children in nearby Valinhos.

And again prophesizes the working of a miracle in October while telling the children to pray and make sacrifices for sinners as many souls go to hell because there is no one to pray and make sacrifices for them.

September 13, 1917

About 30,000 people come to the Cova.

Our Lady tells the children that in October, Our Lord will come, as well as Our Lady of Sorrows and Our Lady of Carmel. Also, Saint Joseph will appear with the Child Jesus to bless the world. She said to continue to pray the rosary every day.

October 13, 1917

It’s a rainy day. Like soak to the bone rainy. Around 70,000 show up for this miracle. Believers and atheists alike. It’s well documented in the papers.

At about noon the clouds part and sun comes out and “dances” in the sky. Many thought this was the end! The sun spun around in brilliant colors and looking directly at it didn’t hurt their eyes. This lasted about 10 minutes then it went back into its place in the sky. This is the Miracle of the Sun.

Our Lady announces: “People must amend their lives and ask pardon for their sins. They must not offend Our Lord any more for He is already too much offended.” She tells us to continue to pray the Rosary every day.

Francisco and Jacinto both die of the Spanish flu within a few years after. Mary appeared to both to take them to heaven.

December 10, 1925

Our Lord and Our Lady appeared to Sister Lucia who is now in Spain to relate the specific requirements for the Communion of Reparation on the First Saturdays.

June 13, 1929

In fulfillment of her promise at Fatima on July 13, 1917, Our Lady of Fatima appears to Sister Lucia at Tuy, Spain in the visible presence of the Most Holy Trinity and asks for the consecration of Russia to Her Immaculate Heart.

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Ok that was a lot. And those are just the cliff notes! Join me for the next week and a half to uncover all the treasures of this significant event.

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We finish the day with a talk from Sr Angela who wrote an amazing book (I’m told): Inside the Light - Understanding the Message of Fatima.

The 13 years of apparitions (1916-2025) are more than just a historical event. They offer a path to becoming true disciples of Christ under Mary’s guidance. It’s important to remember that establishing devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary is God’s will, not simply Mary’s.

This series of appparitions are approved by the Church. When the Church declares an apparition authentic, it affirms that God has spoken, and we are called to listen. Private revelation, therefore, isn’t as optional as we might think.

Fatima encapsulates nearly all Catholic dogmas. Its prophetic significance is underscored by the fact that every pope has acknowledged its importance.

The core message of the apparitions is about God’s nature, His love for us, and how He desires us to love Him in return.

The devil’s greatest temptation is to make us believe that God doesn’t love us because of our sins.

The “list of things to do” associated with the apparitions is a means of opening ourselves to God, improving our relationship with Him, and ultimately having a personal experience of Him. Sadly, many Catholics leave the Church during times of scandal precisely because they lack this personal connection with God.

Ultimately, we must share God’s heart, which desires salvation for the entire world.

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We ended the night with a pizza party with the Alianca de Santa Maria, the fastest growing order of religious sisters in Portugal. They were founded to live and share the message of Fatima. And they’re all super young!

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Our tour guides are a prayer group, Luminaries of Holy Mary, connected to this order of sisters.

Here are 2 of our guides brothers Frank and Joe Spicer. Brothers as in siblings.

Their sister Mary is our other fearless leader!

What a picturesque way to wake up! This is the view from my room.

The pilgrimage officially kicks off later today. This morning I need to get laundry done though. I’ve done laundry in the states at laundromats. There’s always a learning curve to figure out the machines. This time is even more fun since the instructions are in Portuguese. My phone will translate though! Thanks Apple.

Oh no still not helpful a local lady had mercy on me fumbling around. Thank You Lord for sending her

It’s more like hot pudding. Very chocolaty! My sisters and I have been enjoying adult hot chocolates this winter. A touch of whisky really hits the spot on those cold days. 😉 I think that would’ve gone well as an addition here too.

…

And we’re off! Quick version of the Message of Fatima and why this place is important enough for a pilgrimage:

Do you believe God is still speaking to us?

Back in 1917, WWI was going on. Communism was spreading.

Fatima is a very special place in Portugal where, in 1917, three young children named Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta saw the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary appeared to them several times and shared important messages about love, prayer, and helping others. She asked the children to pray the Rosary, which is a special way of talking to God and remembering important events in Jesus’ life. The messages from Fatima encourage everyone to be kind, to pray for peace, and to ask for God’s help in making the world a better place.

The story of Fatima is significant because it teaches us about the importance of faith and caring for one another. Many people believe that Mary’s visits to the children were a way to remind everyone to turn back to God and to live good lives. The children became examples of how to be brave and faithful, even when faced with challenges. Today, many people visit the shrine at Fatima to pray and to feel close to Mary, hoping to follow her example of love and kindness in their own lives.

What brought me here? My friend Katherine (remember her from DC) went a few years ago. When she got back she said “it’s life changing you have to do it. I can get you on the list.” I signed up not really knowing anything but trusting her. And I wanted my travels to have more meaning so centering it on something Catholic made sense.

I went for the first time January 2024. And it was life changing. Not an immediate overnight transformation. More of a slow grow opening my heart and mind more to God and working to let go of the things of the world that hinder my relationship with Him and harm my journey toward heaven.

It was so impactful then I’m back for a second time. If you’re interested let me know and I’ll get you on the list. 😉 This group goes twice per year. There’s always return pilgrims and a large number of newbies.

I met some wonderful folks last year I keep up with. And this year is looking just as promising.

Back to the day… we start with a tour of the Museum of the Shrine of Fatima. It’s laid out so that we walk in darkness up and down and around sharp corners. There’s reminders of the war that was going on at the time. Then are welcomed into the light. It’s a physical display of the message of Fatima - darkness into light.

The crown jewel (quite literally) of the exhibit is the Precious Crown of Fatima.

It is made of jewels given to Our Lady by the women of Portugal. In the very center under the globe is the bullet that struck Pope John Paul II in the 1981 assassination attempt. He attributes his safety to Our Lady’s protection and said one finger pulled the trigger and another guided the bullet. The assassin even said he doesn’t know how the bullet missed!

Whenever Mary appears she shows up looking like the locals to show we are all her children. This statue caught my eye in the collection. It’s a portrayal of Our Lady with the 3 shepherds from an African tribe.

The evening concludes with mass and supper at the hotel to get to know my fellow pilgrims!

I slept like a rock last night. There’s something peaceful about that building I guess. (Probably the church 2 floors down.) Which I’m glad because next is the main event of this pilgrimage: Fatima, Portugal!

A 3 hour flight takes me to Lisbon. My ride’s got my name on it!

A quick walk to the basilica of the Holy Rosary.

Dinner with our pilgrimage leaders concludes the evening at Crispem, a Portuguese smokehouse! Finally red meat. The good stuff. Black pork was one of the cuts. I recommend it. This is the best place I’ve eaten this trip.