World Youth Day Pilgrimage – Part 4

By Jayda Kazzi and Ashley Kadi

Visiting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima

To conclude our Pilgrimage, we travelled from Lisbon to Tomar by coach. Here, we participated in a retreat program and visited the nearby Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima. We had opportunities to participate in catechesis, prayer, silence and reflection. Group discussions with pilgrims from Bus 7 helped us to reflect on the life-changing experience of the last few weeks. 

Fatima has deep spiritual significance for Catholics because Mother Mary appeared to three shepherd children (Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco) in the Cova de Iria fields on 13 May 1917. This remarkable pilgrimage site has touched the hearts and souls of countless visitors from around the world, and our visit was no exception. As we entered this sacred place, we could undoubtedly feel Mother Mary, her protection and peace.  

We visited the Rosary Basilica with the Tombs of the visionaries where we prayed before the tombs of Lucia Santos, Francisco, and Jacinta Marto. We were reminded that the message of hope and love transcends time and place, and that the call to prayer and penance is as relevant today as it was a century ago.

We vividly remember attending Mass at the Chapel of Apparitions which was celebrated by Archbishop Anthony Fisher. Archbishop Fisher recalled Mother Mary’s words to Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta and we pondered how these words retain meaning for us: 

Be not afraid. Trust in God. Offer yourselves to Him. Bear sufferings patiently. Atone for failings. Pray for an end to war, dictatorship, cruelty. The Rosary is for all these needs. 

Unfortunately, due to some local fires, the sky changed to a golden orange colour. As Mass concluded, we saw white ash drift down from the sky. We were in awe of nature and took a moment to remember that Mother Mary’s love, peace and protection will always be with us. 

We paused for personal prayer at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and encountered the living Christ in the Eucharist.

At 9.30pm every evening, pilgrims from all over the world gathered in unity and devotion to pray the Rosary and honour the message of Our Lady of Fatima. Each pilgrim carried a candle, creating a sea of light that symbolises our spiritual journey from darkness to light. This was a profound opportunity for prayer and unified Christians from diverse backgrounds and cultures as we joined in singing Marian hymns. 

Our pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Fatima was a transformative experience that left us with a deep sense of peace and renewal.