A pilgrimage to Our Lady of Fatima

Aline Haddad

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Photo Credit Istock.

On May 13, the Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, to commemorate the apparitions of the Virgin Mary before the three young shepherds in 1917. More than a century later, pilgrims from around the world continue to visit this place marked by faith, prayer, and hope. Since my pilgrimage last year, this feast day has held special significance to me..

When I arrived at Fatima, I discovered a place of peace where everything seemed to invite contemplation. The sanctuary’s vast esplanade was striking in its simplicity and immensity. Between the basilica, the Chapel of the Apparitions, and the areas for silent prayer, each spot was reminiscent of millions of prayers offered over the years.

I was also deeply moved by the places associated with the three little shepherds: their family homes, the path they walked, and the places where they prayed. They were all reminders that Mary chose to appear before simple children living ordinary lives. Their simplicity gives even greater credence to the messages of Our Lady.

One of the most memorable moments of the pilgrimage was the grand evening procession. Despite the rain, nearly 35,000 people gathered with their candles and their prayer intentions. Seeing this crowd move slowly through the rain, in silence and faith, was deeply moving for me. No one seemed bothered by the bad weather. On the contrary, the rain almost gave the procession an even more spiritual dimension, like a sign of surrender and perseverance.

During the procession, the Rosary was prayed in several languages: Portuguese, French, English, Spanish, Italian, Korean, and many others. Hearing thousands of voices unite in a single prayer, despite differences in language and culture, reminded me of the universal beauty of the Church. Each person came with their own story, joy, wounds, and petitions, but all prayed together as one family.

This pilgrimage also led me to reflect on our world today, which is marked by anxiety, division, and constant noise. In Fatima, Mary’s message remains surprisingly relevant: return to prayer, turn your heart towards the Lord, and seek peace. In the silence of the shrine, far from the hustle and bustle of daily life, it becomes easier to listen to God and rediscover what truly matters.

On this feast day, I give thanks for this experience that continues to nourish my faith long after returning home. Some journeys end when we return home. But a pilgrimage continues within us. It gently transforms our outlook, our way of praying, and our trust in God.

Even today, when I think of Fatima, I see again the candlelight in the rain, the contemplative faces of the pilgrims, and that meaningful Rosary offered in almost every language. I realize then that Mary continues to gather her children and lead us to her Son with gentleness and patience. Read more on Our Lady of Fatima in this article.

On this feast of Our Lady of Fatima, I pray especially for peace in the world, for families, for the sick, for those who are lonely or suffering, and for all who are searching for meaning in their lives. May Mary help us to keep hope alive when the path becomes difficult. May she teach us to pray with confidence, to love with simplicity, and to walk each day in the light of Christ.

Our Lady of Fatima, Mother of peace and hope, watch over our families and our world. Teach us to listen to God in the silence of our hearts. Support those who suffer, comfort those who weep, and strengthen those who have lost courage. May your message of peace continue to touch the hearts of all people and lead everyone to your Son. Amen.