Pilgrimage to Fatima

06 May 2016

The Shrine at Fátima is one of the most important places honouring the Virgin Mary, and draws pilgrims from all over the world.

The location of the Shrine, at Cova da Iria, had until 1917, been an unknown place in the municipality of Ourém, in the parish of Fátima, Portugal. That year, a religious event changed its history and importance for ever, when three little shepherds, Jacinta and her two cousins, Francisco and Lúcia, witnessed successive apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary.

The world renown of the Shrine increased during the papacy of John Paul II, a confessed devotee of Our Lady of Fátima, who travelled there in 1982 to give thanks for having survived an assassination attempt the year before. In 2000, on his third visit to the site, he announced the beatification of Jacinta and Francisco.

Next year marks 100 years since the three children witnessed the apparitions, and Fr. Boniface is leading a Pilgrimage to the Shrine from Downside to enable pilgrims to participate in the special Centenary Celebrations that are planned.

There are just four spaces left on this Pilgrimage, although it may be possible to book additional accommodation at the wonderful Domus Pacis Hotel which is very close to the Sanctuary. As this is not certain, if you are interested, could you please contact the organiser, Rina Bird, as soon as possible. 
 
Click to view the Itinerary and the Booking Form