AHEAD of their participation in the World Youth Day 2023, the Philippine delegation were left in awe after visiting the Catholic pilgrimage site of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima in Fatima, Portugal.
In a social media post, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) – Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY) Executive Secretary Fr. Ramon Jade Licuanan said the Filipino delegates to the event were overwhelmed after spending their day at the site of the Marian apparitions in 1917.
“ECY Philippines delegation is blessed to spend almost the whole day at Fatima. It is a dream fulfilled for almost all. Many are dumbfounded and some are in tears,” said Licuanan.
“(They are) overwhelmingly awed being where the Blessed Mother appeared to three young shepherds: Francisco, Jacinta, and Lucia,” he added.
The priest said such an experience will go beyond their attendance to the World Youth Day 2023.
“This will stay in our hearts for a long, long time. Truly, we are Pueblo Amante de Maria (people in love with Mary),” said Licuanan.
Back in 1917, Mary reportedly appeared to three children, namely Lúcia dos Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto.
In 1930, the Vatican officially recognized the apparition in Fatima as events “worthy of belief.”
Subsequently, the Marian apparition turned Fátima into a major pilgrimage center, followed by the establishment of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima.
A total 1,500 Filipino pilgrims have travelled to Portugal for the celebration of the World Youth Day 2023.
The largest gathering of young Catholics from around the world is set to run from August 1 to 6.
