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All of the time is not spent in Fatima. In addition to the 3 day trip to Northern
Portugal and Spain, there are 4 or 5 day trips included in the schedule. Besides visiting
the important places in Fatima, our objective is to have our pilgrims participate in all
of the Sanctuary’s scheduled activities, ensuring that everyone who wishes, is able to
stand on the altar in the Capelinha where Our Lady stood when She appeared to the
children, to be on the altar in the Basilica where the 3 children are buried, and to
participate in the processions. Time is needed to visit the Adoration Chapel, the Chapel
of Reconciliation and the other smaller chapels in the Sanctuary. Speakers, and our
own scheduled activities (Confession, Days of Reflection, Rosaries, Private Masses)
are also part of our schedule.
Why is the trip so inexpensive?
The cost to the pilgrim is the exact cost of the pilgrimage. There are no profits or
commissions made on these pilgrimages. The group always pays for the travel costs of
the Spiritual Director and everyone else (including the organizers) pays their own way.
What is so different about a “Pilgrims For Peace” pilgrimage than the others
that we see advertised?
Pilgrims For Peace explore, and are immersed, in the total Message of Fatima. Since
the Message began in 1915 with the silent apparition of the angel, and the last
officially documented apparition of Our Lady occurred in 1929, there are 14 years of
the Message to learn about. We visit every place that is documented in the story of
Fatima, and we invite speakers who are experts on Fatima. There is little time for
shopping and not much time to be on your own. Our Spiritual Director stays with the
group all day every day and serves as our Spiritual Guide, celebrating Mass, hearing
confessions, leading meditations during the rosary, and helping us to learn how to apply
the Message of Fatima to our daily lives.
What clothing should I bring?
The idea is to dress casually and in layers. During the winter months, it might be 45
degrees in the morning, then go up to the mid 60s in the afternoon. Most women wear
slacks, sweaters/blouses and comfortable shoes. A raincoat is always a good idea. The
men; casual slacks, shirt, sweater and light jacket, and again, good walking shoes. Some
men bring sport jackets for when they serve Mass in the Capelinha or for the Bishop.
What is the weather like in January/February?
The temperature rarely gets below 45 degrees. Most of the time it is around 50
degrees on average.
What kind of hotels do we stay in?
Our main hotel is the Solar da Marta in Fatima, where there is a chapel with the
Blessed Sacrament on the first floor. If the group numbers over 30 to 35, then we
also use the hotel next door, the Villa Fatima. All meals are served at Solar da Marta
and the group always eats together. Armando owns the Solar da Marta and his brother,
Steven, owns Villa Fatima. The entrance to the hotels are just a few yards from one
another, and they are about a 5 minute walk to the Sanctuary. The hotels are very
clean, simple, and charming, and could be compared to a Bed and Breakfast run by a
family. On our trip to Northern Portugal and Spain, we stay in nice hotels, also.
Armando and Steven allow us to keep our belongings in our rooms at the hotels in
Fatima when we travel to Spain, and then we only need to take what we need for the
3- or 4-day trip to Spain.
What are the meals like?
The hotels serve 3 meals a day. Lunches and dinners are large meals, beginning with
soup (or pasta), salad, meat/fish, potatoes, vegetables and dessert. Wine, and coffee
or tea come with the meals. Breakfast consists of rolls, butter/jelly, ham and cheese,
cereal, yogurt, and fruit.
How much money should I bring?
This will depend on your spending habits and how many people you promise to bring back
items for. Some people can spend around $100 and get everything they want, and
others need to purchase another suitcase to carry all of their purchases home.
Should I get my euros before I leave the states?
It is not a good idea to get your euros in the states before you leave. Although the
rate quoted seems good at the time, after you have paid commissions and fees, you
will not get a very good rate. We suggest you wait until you get to Fatima. There are
banks all around. Most of the items you want to buy (souvenirs) can be paid for with a
credit card and that is the best rate you will get. Don’t forget, your entire trip is
included in your cost, so you will only need money for souvenirs, and an occasional cup of
coffee somewhere. At times, we will suggest that we make a donation to a worthy
convent or to a speaker that had not been included in the original cost. This is extra.
What do I need to have to travel to Europe?
You will need a current Passport that will not expire before the date of return from
Europe. It’s always a good idea to make a copy of your passport and your credit cards
to bring with you in case they get stolen.
Do I have to participate in every activity?
No, you don’t. Our schedule is very full and there is not much time for shopping or
resting. If you feel like you need a break, you certainly may take that break; however,
we do appreciate knowing if a pilgrim will not be with the group at a certain activity so
the bus is not waiting unnecessarily.
Will there be a priest with us?
Yes, there is always a priest with us. We take a priest to serve as Spiritual Director
and he is with the group from the beginning of the pilgrimage to the end. He is a vital
part of the pilgrimage and we count on him for spiritual guidance and direction. He will
celebrate our Masses, do the meditations for our rosaries and hear confessions.
What is the payment schedule?
A deposit of $800 is due as soon as you decide to join the pilgrimage. This deposit will
secure your seat on the airline and your hotel rooms. 90 days prior to our departure
from the United States, the final payment is due. At this time, the airlines require a
guarantee and the exact number of hotel rooms need to be sent to Fatima and our
other overnight places.
Do you take credit cards?
No, we have no way of processing credit cards.
Can I bring my non-Catholic friend?
Of course, you can. Non Catholics have always been welcome and have been a part of
our pilgrimages. They sometimes don’t participate in every activity, but they enjoy the
trip.
I have allergies (seafood, etc.), can I order special meals?
Yes, the hotels and restaurants have been wonderful about working with our pilgrims
who have special dietary needs. We notify the hotels and restaurants prior to our
arrival of your need. If seafood is your allergy, the cooks usually make cheese
omelets, or some meat dish. Since the food is plentiful and there is a variety of items,
there is always enough food to satisfy everyone who has a type of preference or need.
You won’t go hungry. One of the biggest complaints is that there is too much food.
Is there much walking?
Yes, there is a good amount of walking. If the distance is far, some choose to stop and
rest along the way. Good walking shoes are a must, but more importantly, you will want
to have some energy and stamina to participate in the activities.
