Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima — Attraction in Ourém

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima is a truly remarkable and sacred place that holds great significance for both religious pilgrims and visitors seeking a deeper spiritual experience. Having had the opportunity to visit this revered site, I am compelled to share my thoughts and impressions of the Sanctuary.

The first thing that strikes you upon arrival is the sheer magnitude of the Sanctuary. Spread across a vast area, it encompasses various religious structures, including the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Chapel of Apparitions. The architectural grandeur and meticulous craftsmanship of these buildings are awe-inspiring, paying homage to the devotion and faith associated with Our Lady of Fatima.

One of the most impactful aspects of the Sanctuary is the spiritual atmosphere that permeates the entire complex. It is impossible not to feel a sense of tranquility and reverence as you walk through the grounds. The Sanctuary provides a space for reflection, prayer, and meditation, allowing visitors to connect with their spirituality on a profound level. Regardless of one's religious affiliation, the sanctity of the place is palpable and can touch the hearts of all who visit.

A pivotal element of the Sanctuary is the Chapel of Apparitions, where it is believed that the Virgin Mary appeared to three young shepherds in 1917. This sacred spot holds immense importance for believers, and it is where many come to pay their respects, offer prayers, and seek solace. The atmosphere within the chapel is particularly moving, creating a hushed and reverential ambiance that encourages personal introspection and connection with the divine.

In addition to the religious aspects, the Sanctuary also offers practical amenities and services to accommodate the large influx of visitors. Facilities such as restrooms, cafés, and souvenir shops are available, ensuring that guests have a comfortable and convenient experience while exploring the Sanctuary.

It is worth mentioning that the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima is not solely a place of worship but also serves as a gathering point for various religious celebrations and events. Pilgrimages and processions take place throughout the year, further enriching the spiritual atmosphere and providing a unique opportunity for visitors to witness and participate in these...

We were blessed to be able to be in the Sanctuary on the 100 year anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun. It was an awesome privilege and honor to be able to celebrate this occasion, where it took place so many years ago.

The evening before the anniversary day, we attended the saying of a Rosary, a Candlelight Procession and a Mass in the Sanctuary. What a beautiful event! So many people from all over the world, praying together simultaneously. What a powerful feeling of elation to be a part of something of this magnitude.

On the day of the anniversary, my wife and I arrived in the Sanctuary early. It was a beautiful morning with a clear blue sky as the sun came up. It wasn’t long before fog began to shroud the area. The Sanctuary was filling with people and fog.

The Mass began with a fog filled Sanctuary. Many times you should see the Sun appear through the fog. Finally, as the statue of Mary was being processed from the altar area, through the crowd to its apparition location within the Chapel of Apparitions, the fog cleared and the beautiful blue sky revealed itself, once again. I couldn’t help but think that Mary had performed another miracle on this 100th anniversary day.

The Sanctuary is a beautiful area containing the Chapel of Apparitions, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima and the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity. These sites are all so beautiful and worthy of a visit, to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of our holy Mother Mary. I was very happy to visit the Sanctuary and I’d recommend visiting this and the surrounding area to anyone. I believe you will be very glad...

The story of Fatima holds the hearts of 3 young shephard children as witnesses to Our Lady of Fatima in 3 future World history events beginning on May 13th, 1917. Two of the shepard children, Francisco and Jaquinto Marto died as predicted of the Spanish Flue a few years later and were survived by their cousin Lucia who lived through their visions of WWI and WWII. Today, as world history unfolds, many still pay pilgramage to the Fatima Basillica and choose to light a beeswax candle in prayer for the world. There is also a statute of Pope John Paul II in front of the Basillica holding the ✝️ cross with a 2nd more abstract cross in the backround. May 13th also holds a treasured date for Pope John Paul II 's history as well. In 1981 he survived an assassination attempt on his life on that same date. After his assassination attempt, in 1985 he fulfilled part of the 3rd secret of Fatima in consecrating Russia to the Sacred heart of Mary. On May 13th, 2017 Jaquinta and Franscisco Marto were canonized as Saints of the Church by Pope Francis. Three years later on May 13th, 2000, the two children were additionally beatified by Pope John Paul II as Saints of the Church. The third prophesy was also revealed in the year 2000 which foretold the persecution of Christians and a bishop dressed in white. Their cousin Lucia, never claimed to be a saint, but in her own way served God in preserving the history of the Sacred heart of Mary...