This is the Basilica of Fatima, the place where the Virgin Mary, "a lady brighter than the sun," visited three young shepherds and told them peace was needed. This was in World War I and on the 13th day of the following five months she appeared again to plead for peace. 1.5 million pilgrims came here on May 13, 1967, along with Pope Paul to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her appearance.
Sallie in front of the Basilica. I think she wanted some help for her arthritis.
That wall says Jesus is Love in a bunch of languages. The door in the wall is the one pilgrims come through on their knees as they come seeking a miracle of healing.
That's a chapel down there. There was a service going on when we were there and apparently anyone of any Christian faith can use it with prearrangement. The red circle is around the sidewalk that pilgrims creep down on their knees. Notice some folks are on the way. So many have used it that it is smooth as silk and I think it's marble. They even will sell you knee pads if you aren't feeling especially tough when you get here.
Folks come here and burn lots of candles to hopefully obtain a healing miracle.
That's Pope Paul on his knees.
Sallie walking down the center aisle of the Basilica.
The Virgin of Fatima...she's really white and bright.
Another statue of the Virgin. Notice the flowers. They changed them while we were there.
There's a market right outside that sells all kinds of miraculous medals and different wax body parts to be offered up in the candle burning altar we saw above.
We had to have some coffee after all that walking. On to Lisboa!