At Leira-Fatima Faith n Fun, the were about 7,500 pilgrims spanning 50 countries in attendance! Alongside the thousands of pilgrims, several dozen priests and bishops processed into the Mass. Several languages were also represented as seen where each reading and the gospel were announced in different languages. Other parts of the Mass were also said in multiple languages such as the gospel. This was very helpful for those of us who only know one or two languages, but this did make this celebration one that spanned almost 3 hours! But this and the presence of high humidity was all worth it when it came time for communion. It was powerful to see all the priests process out into the sea of pilgrims so that we could receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. We received the final blessing from the bishop of the diocese, and he processed out with the other clergy as well as with relics of St. Francisco and St. Jacinta and a statue of Our Lady of Fatima carried by volunteers. With these same relics, I would later in the day have the opportunity to touch the cloth under the relics.
After receiving the final blessing from the bishop, lunch was to be passed out in to-go school-lunch-style bags in the nearby soccer stadium. Even with the sun beginning to beam down on us plus a few minutes of walking over to the stadium, the pilgrims did not fail to joyful play instruments and sing songs the entire way. One prominent chant includes the lyrics: “Resucitó…resucitó…resucitó…alleluia, alleluia!” which translates to “He is risen, alleluia!” With this chant, it unified all the pilgrims together as it felt like every single pilgrim in the vicinity was taking part in singing. After lunch time, we had free time to explore the city of Leira through the many sites and events they had planned for us. Myself, several All Saints pilgrims, and Fr. Tom visited an antique castle camouflaged in greenery atop a mountain overlooking the entire city. The trek was a little bit gruesome, but absolutely a site to see! Alongside the other events scattered around the city was a talk about the shepherd children of Fatima, specifically Francisco and Jacinta.
Before this talk, I knew very little about St. Francisco compared to Lucia. What became apparent from the talk is that we can all learn a lot from them! Even though they were young when they passed away, but I think because of that, it shows us that we can be saints too! Inspired by a Q&A question from the crowd, the speaker gave a beautiful response. The pilgrim asked, “Why was Francisco only able to see [while Lucia and Jacinta could both see and hear her as well as Lucia speaking with] Our Lady?” While the true answer is still unknown, it was through the silence that Francisco was likely able to contemplate more on the apparitions of Our Lady. Even though Francisco could only see Our Lady, he gave the most detailed account about the encounters. It drew him into contemplation. And I thought that was a beautiful and moving way to think about it. What also really stood out to me about Francisco was the dynamic change there was in him once he encountered Our Lady. He was one way, and then completely different in the best way possible. It goes to show us that if we truly let her into our hearts, you will never be the same after encountering her—and for the better of course!
By this time in the day, it was time to head back to our host town. After dinner, we were invited to wind down the day’s festivities with the opportunity to experience a true, authentic Portuguese Festa for all those interested. Many pilgrims went and had a blast dancing the night away alongside the locals.
With much love,
Jessica DeLira
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