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SITE INSPECTION: PORTUGAL Page 4Fatima
Today, the Chapel of Apparitions stands where the
apparitions occurred. Masses here
run frequently, in multiple languages. The
dominant structure at the site is the Basilica, which contains 15 altars
dedicated to the 15 mysteries of the Rosary.
The structure has stained glass depicting scenes of the apparitions.
The Basilica also houses the tombs of Francisco and Jacinta, both of whom
died before reaching adulthood. Lucia
is a nun who lives to this day. About
4 million pilgrims visit the site each year.
Many come to get water from the spring at the sanctuary.
Our guide tells us water started appearing from the spring soon after the
apparition. We make the short drive to the Aljustrel, the village of
the three children. The place has
clearly undergone commercial transformation with vendor stalls hawking souvenirs
and plasticware. The children’s homes appear pretty much the way they were in
1917. In Jacinta/Francisco’s home
(they were brother and sister), you can chat with a relative and view some old
family photographs. Lucia’s home
is a few houses away and also attended by a relative.
A few steps down from Lucia’s home is a Well, which is the site of an
apparition of the “Angel of Peace” in the summer of 1916. Leaving Portugal
For many Americans, Spain is a destination but Portugal is not. While Spain truly deserves the reputation it has, to fail to see Portugal is to miss out on a little country with a rich history that has so much to offer. I have seen Portugal but I’ve truly only scratched the surface. I have yet to see Madeira, the Monastery at Belem, the 51 Lisbon museums, and (heaven forbid!) sing Fado. I am determined to find out why the Portuguese live so long. Is it the climate? The olive oil and the seafood? The Port wine? It can’t be the Fado, can it?
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