Some of our pilgrims wrote about some of their experiences today and the past few days. We traveled to the Holy Shrine at Fatima today.
From James -
JMJ!!! Greetings from Leiria, Portugal! We're 4 days in to our WYD 2011 journey and Portugal has been wonderful to us. We've traveled from Lisbon to Leiria today via Fatima. Today being August 13th (our lady appeared on the 13th of each month from May to October, 1917), and with WYD 2011 only 4 days away, Fatima nearly burst at the seems with people from all over the world. An estimated 20,000 Catholics from all over the world celebrated Holy Mass with us today. I personally heard “Peace be with you,” in 7 different languages. It was certainly the highlight of my day.
As we moved away from the crowd and into Leiria, we eagerly settled into this scenic, quiet city for dinner, food and some much needed prayer, sharing and reflection time. We are growing in faith and excitement despite the hectic schedule and sore feet. Please continue to pray for us as we journey. We hold your intentions and love in our hearts and we will continue to pray for you and our parish as well!
Pax tecum,
James
From Kade -
Well as our 4th day comes to an end in Leiria, Portugal, there is only one thing that I can say about Europe. EUROPE = AMAAZAZING! The culture of Europe has been amazing to experience and as we traveled to Fatima, things only got ten times better! The mass in Fatima, was truly a once in a lifetime experience, and I don't think I've ever gotten the opportunity to see so many flags from different countries all at once. God does truly work in mysterious ways! The food has been VERY interesting, consisting from Indian dishes to just plain old pizza. If this is only Portugal, what else is in store, as we travel to spain?
And to all my family back home, Mom, Dad, Seth, Trace, and the squirrel (Izzy :D), I just want to thank ya'll so much for praying for me and preparing me for this journey. I love each of ya'll very much, and don't worry I'm taking plenty of pictures. I hold each one of ya'll in my prayers, and I can't wait to see yall soon!
Peace and Love!
Kade
From Lauren -
Today has been such a spiritual journey in the city of Fatima, Portugal. We traveled on the bus for two hours and encountered an extremely large group of people. Even though the conditions outside were challenging, the experience was humbling and beyond beautiful. The mass touched my heart in many ways and the joyful atmosphere was very special. We saw a dedicated statue of Blessed John Paul II and his loyalty and love for the people of this world is so amazing. My favorite part of the mass was how people from all over come together to celebrate their faith, as we all have unity through our one and only God! It was a wonderful experience and this trip has been a learning experience!
God Bless!
Love, Lauren
From Elizabeth -
This morning we loaded a bus to travel to Fatima. The visit exceeded all my expectations! When we arrived a mass was about to begin. Nearly 20,000 people all garnered together in the plaza to honor and celebrated the apparitions of Mary and receive the Eucharist as one family from different nations. Although most the mass was in a different language it was beautiful to observe all different all different people attending the same mass. The most touching part was watching people of all ages form young to old walking on their knees towards the Chapel that was built on the site that Mary appeared to the three children. The devotion and dedication was indescribable . A small group was able to observe the actual tombs of the three children. The day concluded with a bus ride to Liera where we will stay overnight. We will be traveling to Santiago de Composteias tomorrow. We will be keeping everyone home in our prayers.
Love,
Elizabeth
From Jaime -
Yesterday we ate breakfast at a little cafe that overlooked the city of Lisbon. Afterwords we went to the hotel to rest up and catch up on sleep. We then took a stroll in the park which was absolutely gorgeous. The trees were huge, the flowers were bright and the statues along the garden were beautiful. The awesome windy weather topped it all off. After a long walk we ended up at Hard Rock Cafe. The waiter was super precious and super sweet. He was very inquisitive about America and Texas. He asked if we rode horses to school and went around shooting people, but he was very friendly and very helpful. He knew all of our names and let me try some Portuguese soda for free. We then took a stroll through a park again and relaxed and people watched. So far the trip is absolutely amazing. I've met lots of new friends and have really enjoyed everything about the trip.
Love,
Jamie
Pictures of today
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| St. Thomas and St. Helen's on the steps of the Old Basilica at the Shrine of Fatima |
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| The Crucifix on the plaza at Fatima |
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| The Procession of Our Lady of Fatima from Mass |
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| The Statue of Our Lord at the plaza at Fatima |
Peace
Will and the group
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