Franciscan on Sister Water

I recently went to Fatima, after thinking about it a long time.  Portugal is very beautiful and one of those beautiful areas is around Fatima.  It is believed by many to be a site where The Blessed Mother of Christ visited 3 shepherd children (Francesco, Jacinta and Lucille).  There is a spiritual beauty displayed by many and a physical beautiful that adds to making this a special place.

Fatima is easily reached from Lisbon by bus, and the spiritual structures that have been built there are very near to the town and a short walk from the station.

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, Fatima

Inside the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary is where Jacinta and Francesco have been entombed.  Also, the inside is vast and there is a image of Our Lady’s Visitation.

Burial site of Jacinta and Francesco, Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, Fatima

Image of the Apparition, Fatima

A little distance away is the Basilica of the Holy Spirit and the Little Chapel is between the two Basilicas, so all are very close to each other.

The Basilica of the Holy Spirit, Fatima

Chapel of the Apparition, Fatima

One can attend Mass here and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and you can even witness those who crawl slowly to the Chapel of the Apparition.

Crawling towards the Little Chapel of the Apparition, Fatima

This can be seen in a small section of the town.  But I feel there is much more to experience here.  I decided to walk to the town of Aljustrel, where the child shepherds lived.  This was a bit of an adventure for I was not sure of the correct route, but there were many indicators and signs.  Fortunately, I had taken a slightly different path than the norm.

I had been very close to the turnoff for the walkway and Stations of the Cross to the town of Aljustrel, but I did not see the correct signage which was near the statue of the shepherds and so I went a little further.  I asked a local gentleman where I could find the way to Aljustrel and he pointed me down a dirt road.  This turned out to remind me of my childhood and simple walking down country roads, a peaceful ramble to clear the mind, and so put me in a mood of discovery.  This road led to the main walkway toward Aljustrel.

Image of the Apparition, Fatima

Road less traveled, Fatima

Junction to main walkway to Aljustrel

I walked this paved road for a good distance into Aljustrel, and on the way saw one of the sites of visitation of Our Lady.

Walkway Toward the Village of Aljustrel

A long but beautiful walk to the village of Aljustrel

And on the walk I found this point, where it is said Our Lady visited the children twice.

Two visits of Our Lady here in Aljustrel

Area around this site of visitation, Aljustrel

From here, I walked further not knowing exactly how far I needed to go, and there were no others around to ask.  Eventually, I came to the town and saw signs of the children and visited their homes.

Signs and sayings of the children in Aljustrel

House of Jacinta and Francesco Marto, Aljustrel

Inside home of Jacinta and Francesco Marto, Aljustrel

Hearth inside children’s home, Aljustrel

There were a few small bedrooms and an extra extension, which could have been for animals or other storage.

Extension on the children’s home, Aljustrel

Backside of children’s home, Aljustrel

Jacinta and Francesco Martos parents also built a house across the street from this one later on.

Inside of house of the children’s’ parent’s home

Parents of Jacinta and Francesco, Aljustrel

Francesco and Jacinta Matos, Aljustrel

After visiting this house, I decided to walk back a ways and take another road to Lucille’s house, which was unfortunately closed, and near her house another visitation site has been venerated.

Lucia’s House, Aljustrel

Another site of a visitation of Our Lady, Aljustrel

I could see how the quiet and the beauty would inspire a visit by Our Lady.  The countryside was very beautiful and I took many pictures that I found a joy to look at.

Entering Fatima

Road through Fatima countryside

Countryside, Fatima

Old Road in Fatima

Olive Groves, Fatima

Walk through the countryside, Fatima

Road through the countryside, Fatima

I thoroughly enjoyed the walk through the countryside and when I was returning back to the town, I was a little surprised to see a Hotel that I have never seen anywhere else.

The Hotel Virgin Mary, Fatima

I will always remember my wander through this beautiful and inspiring country and I hope others get an opportunity to enjoy it’s inspiring views.