Fatima is one of the most important sites for older, conservative Roman Catholics.

Fatima’s history begins in the early twentieth century. From a historical point of view, Fatima is dissimilar to Guadalupe, whose events occurred in 1531; yet Fatima is similar to Lourdes whose events occurred in 11 February 1858. Neither Lourdes nor Fatima occur that long ago. In each of these occurrences, there is a Marian apparition before young children. In 1916 at Fatima, the three children Lúcia dos Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto, claimed that they were visited by Mary three different times.

The geography of Fatima is extensive. The most important location is the destination of pilgrims, the Most Holy Trinity to the Chapel of Apparitions which is a small building underneath a larger roofed area. This chapel stands on the spot that the three children claimed that they were first visited by Mary. Some pilgrims will move on their knees from the Basilica to this Chapel approximately 600 feet, and then circle the small chapel. Other pilgrims walk to the Chapel to say a prayer. Others purchase very large candles and then light the candles at the chapel saying a prayer as the candle burns.

As a liberal Protestant, I’m struck by the foreignness of this religious sensibility. My faith circles around reading a book, studying theology books, and communal worship with words spoken and sung. Similar to my ancestors from northern Europe, I’ve never been very demonstrative. Not so traditional conservative Roman Catholics.

On the plaza, I can’t help but notice the Basilica of our Lady of the Rosary which was built in 1928. The colonnades were completed in 1954.

The interior of the Basilica is beautiful. In the main entrance is the following mosaic of the Trinity crowning Mary.

There are numerous stained glass windows depicting Mary.

Directly opposite the church on the far end of the plaza is the Paul VI Pastoral Center, built in 1982 and dedicated by Pope John Paul II. It is a center for study and reflection on the message of Fátima. While I went into the building and briefly watched a service in this very large sanctuary, I later learned that the building also has accommodation for four hundred pilgrims. Church officials know who will come and what their needs are!

As a liberal mainline Protestant, I have partially understood Protestant evangelicalism and fundamentalism. I have less understanding of conservative Roman Catholicism. Despite their historical antipathy toward each other, we have all witnessed the convergence of conservative Roman Catholics and Protestants over some social and political issues. I’m fairly confident though that regarding the practices and beliefs associated with Fatima, these groups still remain divided.