My favourite cultural heritage site is the sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, a Catholic place of pilgrimage situated in the centre of Portugal between Lisbon and Porto.
In 1917, three children of the village, on six occasions, saw the Virgin Mary. The inhabitants of the village decided in 1919 to build a chapel on the site of the appearances. Then, in 1928, a church was also built, the Holy Trinity basilica; it has been progressively enlarged ever since.
In 1930, the Roman Catholic Church recognized the appearances as genuine, and the site became a pilgrimage centre of world importance.
In October 2018, I went to visit the sanctuary. My first impression was to feel the wave of well-being as I joined in the singing.
Numerous pilgrims seemed very joyful. This contrasted with the pilgrims who made their way to the sanctuary on their knees, in the rain.
Near the place of appearance of the Virgin, a mass was being celebrated and we could see numerous disabled people. Some were hoping for a cure, for a miracle, or simply for the pursuit of their life without further obstacles. Numerous candles were lit and formed a deep light in the sky.
This place is difficult to describe because it provokes numerous sensations and impressions that we can only feel on site. What I most remember is the hope and even joy of the people with disabilities.
