Fatima Reunion Day 2

Father Walsh was scheduled for a concelebrated mass at 8:30 at the Chapel of the Apparitions so we all got up at 6:30 and then had breakfast at the hotel at 7:30. I went over to the square to take pictures of the basilica with the sunrise behind it and then joined everyone at the breakfast table. Father Walsh joined us later on but left earlier to prepare for the mass.



We got to the chapel just before the first mass finished and situated myself to the front to take some pictures. Terry and Shirley managed to get seats in front with the group from PI while the rest had to stand by the wall.

It was a routine mass with the exception of the number of priests concelebrating with an Irish bishop as the main celebrant. The pictures came out a bit overexposed though because the sun was very bright and reflected off the white vestments so I had to touch it up.









Took some pictures with the PI group afterwards and visited the basilica.

Met up with Lucio at the hotel after church and then went to the hill for the stations of the cross. There were several groups there already including a teen sports club (right photo) from Naples a couple of families from China. Father Walsh led the prayers and we meditated on the mysteries in between the stations.




















We paid our respects to the Blessed Virgin Mary and also visited the site where the angel appeared to the three children. We finished the prayers at the village where we met up with Lucio.



Had lunch at the tourist rest stop afterwards and then proceeded to Santarem to visit the Church of the Holy Miracles. This has been recognized by the Vatican and the brief story is described in the picture on the right.


This must have been a special day with Somebody up there coordinating our schedule because a mass in English was just starting when we got there. It was quite solemn with everyone joining in the prayers and songs. Lucio got us all together right after mass and led the way to the exposition behind the altar. The host is placed inside a munstrance above the altar and an access ladder was installed to allow the people to pay their respects. I guess this is a regular stop for the pilgrims because the tour guides were taking their turns at the podium relating the history to their groups.

Returned to the hotel afterwards for some free time until the rosary/procession at 9:30. Rene and Rely helped me load the stuff to be shipped on the 'Lladro Express' (am still surprised how it all fit!) while the ladies went to the basilica. Found out later that they were not able to enter because there was a mass in progress so they did the 2nd best thing: shop some more. At least they're buying religious articles!!! Caught up with them later on and had a group shot infront of the basilica.

Met up at the lobby at 8:00 pm and went to the restaurant next door for dinner because the hotel only had buffet to offer.

The food and service were good and the waiters even gave Lucio a special treat since it was his birthday. The young waiter also gave Kitsy special treatment which she greatly enjoyed as evidenced by her Mona Lisa smile.

We went to the Chapel of the Apparitions afterwards and joined the crowd for the evening rosary and mass. The crowd was much bigger this time and had staked their positions along the path of the procession. We stayed closer to the middle lane and joined the group from the Philippines. Just like last time, it was quite an experience praying the rosary with pilgrims from all over the world and answering together as one in each other's language.

The procession was held after the rosary and the statue was brought to the altar in front of the basilica. It was a very solemn and moving sight with everyone raising up their candles while singing the Ave Maria.

The mass was celebrated in front of the basilica by the bishop along with numerous priests from different countries. We all felt very blessed today since this was our 3rd mass and the 3rd time receiving the Holy Eucharist. We also stayed for the procession returning the statue to the Chapel of the apparitions.

A truly blessed day.