In 1996, Jim and Jean traveled to the South of Portugal, making a casual side trip to
visit Fatima. At the Solar da Marta Hotel, they met Armando Mendes, Proprietor, who
introduced them to the Fatima that he knew and loved. This was the beginning of a
wonderful sequence of events that inspired Jim and Jean to endeavor to learn more
about this wonderful Message of Fatima that they had heard about many years prior, as
school kids, in Akron, Ohio.
In the next couple of years after 1996, Armando introduced Jim and Jean to people who
were knowledgeable about the story and message of Fatima: Father John DeMarchi,
author of the book, Fatima, The Full Story; Sr. Angela de Fatima, Superior of the
Convent of the Alliance of Holy Mary; Bob Nesnick, alias Jacinta Bob: ; Father Jose
Valinho, Sister Lucia’s nephew; and Carlos Evaristo, Canadian born author and historian,
who wrote the book, 2 Hours With Sister Lucia. As time went on, Jim and Jean met
more and more people in Fatima, who put the pieces of the story and the Message
together. All of these people now play an important role in contributing to the success of
these pilgrimages. They provide personal and unique insight that brings all of the places
and events to life.
In 2000, the first group of pilgrims was assembled for a March 2001 pilgrimage to
Fatima. Pilgrims for Peace pilgrimages usually occur once a year; however, some years
there were two pilgrimages. Although there have been as few as 12 on a pilgrimage, to 55
on another, the average group numbers 30 to 35. In January 2008, Pilgrims for Peace
celebrate their 10th pilgrimage to Fatima. Most of the pilgrims come from Virginia;
however there have been pilgrims from as far west as Nevada, as far south as Florida,
and as far north as New Hampshire. Pilgrims for Peace pilgrimages always include a
priest who serves as Spiritual Director, celebrating Mass, leading rosary meditations,
hearing confessions, and providing meaningful interpretations of the Message of Fatima.
