In 1917, three small children including, a girl named Jacinta, her brother Francisco and their cousin Lúcia, witnessed successive apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary. This happened on the same day each month from May through October that year.
The site is now a religious site that many from in and outside of Portugal come to visit.
Lighting Candles
Many at the site bought candles and waited in line to light them.
The Shrine of Fatima has a tradition of the lighting of the candles by the pilgrims who seek the grace and miracles of Our Lady of Fatima. Thousands light their candles as a way of honoring a promise made to the Blessed Virgin, after the granting of a requested blessing.
Crawling on Knees
It didn’t take long to notice individuals crawling on their knees on a white path. Many were praying the rosary as they crawled.
I went to Fátima as part of a longer day trip that made multiple stops in Portugal. If you are particularly religious, this is a great stop. For me, I was ready to go after being there an hour. I was able to admire the art/architeture in the church, as well as watch some of the pilgrims crawl on their knees for religious reasons. There was a gift shop that would be great for someone looking to fund communion or baptism gifts.
Caitie Goes 