I’m still elated from the exciting diocesan pilgrimage I recently traveled on to Fatima, Portugal. There were 21 pilgrims traveling on this pilgrimage to visit all of these glorious basilicas and churches and most of all, I enjoyed our visit to the special place in Aljustrel, where Our Blessed Mother appeared to Francisco, Jacinta, and Lucia, the three visionaries. They were the three young innocent children, chosen by God to show us the most important way to Heaven.
We had a 10-hour trip ahead of us, but we really didn’t mind because we were traveling in such a special place and being led by His Excellency, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin. We were pursuing the Lord and His Holy Mother to Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city. After arriving, we traveled by bus from one area to another.
As we entered Our Lady of Fatima’s altar area, Bishop Tobin, our priests and seminarians celebrated Mass for all pilgrims. That evening, Mass was held again and a very awe-inspiring procession following after the great Mother of God was transforming on any level of Faith you might have. As I turned around to join my group, so we wouldn’t get lost and stay close to one another, a priest from Sri Lanka, an island country located southeast of the Republic of India, introduced himself and was truly blessed with the gift of joy and so much love of God. He spoke of his country and mentioned that they had 100 people traveling with them. I was so intrigued listening to him that I missed my group walking back to our hotel!
Coimbra was our next destination in Portugal and is home to the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese-speaking world. We were fortunate to have a local guide and expert of the University. Built in 1290, it was classified a World Heritage Site for its historic buildings, architecture and monuments.
Our day consisted of a visit to the Monastery and Convent of Santa Clara-a-Nova, both built in the mid-17th century, and the old Cathedral of Coimbra where we celebrated our Mass.
The cathedral is viewed by many as the most significant Roman Catholic structure in Portugal.
I was really touched by the beautiful paintings and holiness of many of our saints, their love of God and way of life made a big impression in my heart and mind. I was deeply touched and this brought tears to my eyes. On August 16, during our stay, our pilgrimage continued to Porto. This is one of Portugal’s oldest cities, where we visited the Palacio de Boles, another World Heritage Site, and the Sao Francisco Church where we celebrated Mass (Misa). We enjoyed lunch at a winery near Porto, as well as a lesson on the Portuguese wine industry. We had many laughs and good company. We were truly a family during our wonderful pilgrimage. Thank you Bishop Tobin and Father Jeremy Rodriques for a truly holy pilgrimage and inspirational journey to Our Lord.
Marilyn Brennan of Narragansett traveled on the Diocesan pilgrimage to Fatima, Portugal in August.
