Going To Confession In Fatima

by Marie
(Delaware USA)

I visited Fatima 8 years ago, with a tour. My time there was limited but I had vowed to go to confession there. So I separated from my group and went to the Confession Chapel. The wait was long for the English speaking priest and it was getting late, so I did go into a confessional I knew was at the end of this priest posted time. He was not very pleasant and berated me for being so bold. He did not hear my confession and sent me out to the waiting room for the next priest, who wasn't scheduled for another 15 minutes.

I was determined to receive this sacrament so I stayed and missed part of the tour. The next priest was so kind and generous to me that I did feel better and even a little understanding of the other priest who had been hearing confessions for several hours. I still was concerned because had I not been a faithful practicing Catholic and I was looking for the opportunity to return to my faith, what turnoff my experience could have been.

I must say I truly was amazed about the size of the plaza and the people who were making pilgrimages to the Chapel. The Basilica was smaller than I expected but reverent and very holy to be by the tombs of Jacinta and Francesco. I hope Sr. Lucia will be there next to them soon. I did buy a set of rosaries with some Fatima soil embedded in them and I have an altar set up that includes them.

I had hoped to return to Fatima for the 100th anniversary but life had other plans. I did feel connected though on Sept 13th 2017 when a priest I know from my former diocese said mass in the Chapel.

I still hope to go back, God willing, and really spend more time there because Our Lady speaks to me there.

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