A Trip To Remember

Pilgrims flock to marian shrines across the globe to express their love for the Blessed virgin mother.

- Karisia Bitong-gatmaitan

Every year, millions of followers go on Marian pilgrimages to entrust their petitions, to give thanks, and to simply be closer to Our Blessed Mother. Pope Francis has encouraged people to continue this religious devotion, this expression of complete faith, this sense of oneness and coming together by the people. What a beautiful thing our Pope has said, “Each pilgrim brings a special wish in their hearts, a prayer…” Yes, people come for different reasons—some for healing, some for answers, and some out of curiosity—but one thing is certain: upon leaving, they will never be the same again. My Pope takes you on a tour of some of the most visited Marian shrines, both in the Philippines and abroad.

FATIMA, PORTUGAL

The year 2017 marked one hundred years since the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima to the three shepherd children, siblings, Jacinta and Francisco Marto, and their cousin, Lucia Santos. In a message Pope Francis left to the pilgrims as the centennial closed, he said, “…Never quit the rosary… pray the rosary as She asked to.”

Cova da Iria had been an unknown place in Ourém when Our Lady’s appearance to the little shepherds changed the course of these children’s lives —and this little town— forever. On May 13, 1917, the children saw a Lady “dressed all in white, more brilliant than the sun.” She asked the children to come back to the same spot for the next five months, telling them to pray the rosary every day for peace in the world. Nearly 70,000 people were present on October 13, when The Lady revealed herself as “Our Lady of the Rosary.” She asked for prayers to end World War I, and that a chapel be built in her honor. As promised, Our Lady gave the sign everyone was waiting for in the Miracle of the Sun.

FATIMA TODAY