“For those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not believe, no explanation is sufficient” from the Song of Bernadette
Mar 25, 2017
Today we inch closer and closer to Lisbon but not before we visit two of my favorite places on Portugal our Basilica of our Lady of Fatima and the enchanting walled town of Obidos.
Santuário de Fátima, also known as Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, the story starts in 1916, were on three separate occasions, Lucia Santos and her two cousins, Jacinta and Francisco Marto, began witnessing apparitions of an angel in the region of Ourém while they tended the fields. These visitations persisted until 13 May 1917 when, while tending their family’s sheep in Cova da Iria, they witnessed the apparition of what they later assumed was the Virgin Mary and began doing penance and self-sacrifice to atone for sinners.
Many flocked to Fátima to witness these apparitions along with the children, but not before the children were jailed for being politically disruptive. These visitations culminated in the public Miracle of the Sun event, even as the apparition of Mary divulged three secrets to the children. Although the last apparition occurred on 13 October 1917, the region of Fátima continued to be a destination for pilgrims.
Victims of the 1918 flu pandemic epidemic, both cousins (Francisco and Jacinta Marto) died, Along with the Three Secrets of Fátima, their stories and that of Lucia, would be linked to religious construction that followed in Fátima. A small chapel, the Chapel of the Apparitions was begun on 28 April 1919 by local people: its construction was neither hindered nor encouraged by church authorities.
On 13 May 1920, pilgrims defied government troops to install a statue of the Virgin Mary in the chapel, while the first officially celebrated mass occurred on 13 October 1921.
The first investigations (canonical process) by the Roman Catholic Church in regards to the events at Fátima began on 3 May 1922. It would take the next four years to see a change in attitude from the Roman Catholic Church.
On 13 May 1928, the first foundation stone was laid in the construction of the basilica, a process that continued until 1954.
On 13 May 1942, a large pilgrimage had already to marked the 25th anniversary of the apparitions. Two years later Cardinal Massella, Pontifical Legate, crowned the image of Our Lady of Fátima in the Chapel of the Apparitions, marking a complete reversal in the official posture of the Vatican. On 7 October 1953, the Church of the Sanctuary of Fátima was consecrated.
Many of the events of the Marian apparitions at Fátima are depicted in the stained glass windows in the basilica, while fifteen altars within the church are dedicated to the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary. At the four corners of the basilica are statues of the four great apostles of the Rosary and to their devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
This place has changed since my last visit, new structures have been added to accommodate the thousands of worshipers. They have also now have created a path for believers who approach the Basilica on their knees. This action is the final vows of a promise made to our Lady of Fatima for answered prayers or blessings.
David was very receptive in trying to understand the pilgrims actions as he was witnessing for the first time?
Personally, I take a look at the faithful on their knees inching their way towards the Basilica and cried like a Baby, my faith is not strong enough. This is my second visit to Fatima and I’m thankful for the experience of feeling so much peace as I’m truly in the moment. on May 13 of this year they will be celebrating the 100th of the apparition of the virgin…….what were the 3 secrets that were told to Jacinta, Lucia, and Francisco.
Our next stop the “Wedding Present City of Obidos”
The town of Obidos is known as the ‘wedding present town’ as it was given by King Dinis to his bride, D. Isabel, on their wedding day in 1282. Since then, Obidos has been a place of refuge and relaxation for the Portuguese monarchy. Obidos is an excellent example of medieval architecture – its beautiful squares, narrow streets, walled fortress, and castle are popular tourist destinations. Few ancient cities and towns retain their complete fortifications and walls.
As a result of what remains – an entire medieval walled town with a castle dating back to the 12th century – Óbidos has been designated a national monument and it’s online to become a Unesco site.
Óbidos is a pedestrianized town so we quickly lost ourselves in the cobblestone streets above and below the main commercial street which was overflowing with tourists. Along these picturesque narrowed, windy stared streets you will find colorful houses adorned with overflowing pots of vibrant geraniums and bougainvilleas beginning to bloom also no with wisteria fragrantly in bloom. As you wander you encountered ancient Gothic doorways and windows, bright whitewashed churches, prowling cats, and dazzling tilework.
Ready to walk the 1.5 kilometers rampart of the town walls I asked David but when I told him that there are no guard rails, was a definite NO the steps up to the wall walk are steep and treacherous, but the 360-degree views are worth the effort as I experienced on my first visit.
We even witnessed a wedding as we strolled through the plaza in front of Santa Maria Church, where 10-year-old King Afonso V married his 8-year-old cousin Isabel in 1444.
Each July Óbidos castle hosts a traditional ‘Medieval Market’. For two weeks the castle and the surrounding town recreate the spirit of medieval Europe.
Óbidos is a visual delight. Remove the tourists and it’s a movie set – a picture-postcard locale with a romantic backstory.
Our last Pousada tonight is housed within the town’s 12th century medieval castle, which is considered one of the 7 marvels of Portugal and is awaiting classification of a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
At Pousada Castelo of Obidos, all 14 rooms have been named after Portugal’s Kings and Queens who through history have stayed at the Castle. Our room named the D. Urraca a Castilian princess who in 1206 married Afonso II of Portugal, who was the intended heir to the throne. In 1212 her husband became king and she became queen. Afonso II indicated in his will in 1214 that Urraca should be the regent for his heir should he pre-decease her. Unfortunately, she died before him at a relatively young age in 1220.
Our room has a small window with a view of the town. Again we ate at its highly rated restaurant on the top floor of the castle at a table set in the niche of its 6-foot wall, with tall candelabra with tall red candy alit overlooking the castle grounds. Which at the moment is hosting a chocolate festival.
After dinner a walk through the town empty streets with the glow of its 18 century lamps……a very romantic way to end the day.
