After a fairly smooth 7 hour bus ride, Micahel and I arrived in Fatima. This is one of four major Marian shrines we are visiting. The other three being Notre Dame, Lourdes, and Czestochowa.
We booked into a hotel recommend by a priest friend, who described it as cozy. Since we have been staying in albergues filled smelly pilgrims, filthy bathrooms, and plastic mattresses, this hotel is like a palace. The next five days will be devoted to rest and reflection. Even though we have only been here for a little over 24 hrs. Fatima seems like the perfect place to nourish our bodies and spirits.
Next year, 2017, will be 100th anniversary of the apparitions. The shrine has been expanding and maintaing the grounds for the expected millions of pilgrims to come the following year. Currently, most of the construction is finished and there are very few people here creating a quite and tranquil environment.
We also happened to run into a small group of American seminarians at the shrine today. They have invited us to join their group to tour the grounds and celebrate Mass together. If you read our post on community, then you know how awesome it is for us to meet our brother seminarians.
I am looking forward to using these next few days to really dive into contemplative prayer. To reflect on my experiences on the Camino, pray for those who I have carried throughout this pilgrimage, and to continue to conform my will to Gods.
Hopfully, these upcoming days prove to be fruitful and we will be able to share some unique insights into how Mary has affected our lives.
-Luke