Thursday 13th May
The principal worship of the day began at the Capelina, the main site of the apparitions, although some of our party witnessed Benediction in the Church at about 7.00 a.m. Then followed an extremely lengthy Solemn Concelebrated Mass outside the Basilica which was also relayed on several large screens so one did not miss anything. Our little group managed to stay together, not without difficulty, throughout the entire Mass and also managed to receive. Proceedings ended with Benediction which finished at about 1.30 p.m.
All in our party found it a most moving experience to receive a host consecrated by the Holy Father, to see the statue of Our Lady carried and processed around and to see the vast numbers of pilgrims, many of whom were so devout. As we fought, politely of course, our way across for communion, Fr. Simon was obliged to stop and hear a lady’s confession, having also been asked by one chap earlier on. The previous day he blessed three ladies and about twenty gallons of water whilst crossing the square – never off duty!
The square in between the Church and the Basilica and the Capelina is on an immense scale, partly no doubt in order to accommodate the huge numbers of pilgrims, but it can still retain the intimacy required.
The security presence for the Pope has been massive, understandably: police, guards, three helicopters, bomb squad, sniffer dogs, personal security men, who looked like C.I.A. men, but all, though visible and firm, has been highly efficient and impressive and has not impinged on religious observances.
After yet another large and delicious lunch, an afternoon of shopping, snoozing or wandering ensued. Later in the evening we attended International Rosary, which was always an interesting experience, and followed the Blessed Sacrament in a candlelit procession.
At this point I repeat that worship in one form or another, and often several at a time, appears never to cease in Fatima.
All in our party found it a most moving experience to receive a host consecrated by the Holy Father, to see the statue of Our Lady carried and processed around and to see the vast numbers of pilgrims, many of whom were so devout. As we fought, politely of course, our way across for communion, Fr. Simon was obliged to stop and hear a lady’s confession, having also been asked by one chap earlier on. The previous day he blessed three ladies and about twenty gallons of water whilst crossing the square – never off duty!
The square in between the Church and the Basilica and the Capelina is on an immense scale, partly no doubt in order to accommodate the huge numbers of pilgrims, but it can still retain the intimacy required.
The security presence for the Pope has been massive, understandably: police, guards, three helicopters, bomb squad, sniffer dogs, personal security men, who looked like C.I.A. men, but all, though visible and firm, has been highly efficient and impressive and has not impinged on religious observances.
After yet another large and delicious lunch, an afternoon of shopping, snoozing or wandering ensued. Later in the evening we attended International Rosary, which was always an interesting experience, and followed the Blessed Sacrament in a candlelit procession.
At this point I repeat that worship in one form or another, and often several at a time, appears never to cease in Fatima.
