Our Lady of Fatima Has Her Own Can't-Miss Shrine Right Here in the U.S.
While there is never a bad time to honor Mother Mary, May seems to be the premiere month to do so, as several Feast Days are taking place this month, including that of Our Lady of Fatima:
The Feast of Our Lady of Fatima is celebrated on May 13th and commemorates the Marian apparitions in 1917 in the small town of Fatima, Portugal. Over six months, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children - Lucia dos Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto - delivering messages of prayer, penance, and peace.
Mary specifically asked for the daily recitation of the Rosary, devotion to her Immaculate Heart, and the conversion of sinners. One of the most well-known aspects of the apparitions is the “Miracle of the Sun,” witnessed by tens of thousands of people on October 13, 1917, as a confirmation of the apparitions.
With her Feast Day just around the corner, what better time than now to make a pilgrimage to her namesake Our Lady of Fatima Shrine?!
Located in Youngstown, New York, the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima is a can't-miss Northeast religious site for many reasons.
Nestled a mere 20 minutes from Niagara Falls, the Shrine was founded in 1954 and is billed as a "place of natural beauty, art, communal prayer, and renewal to thousands who visit the unique buildings and grounds each year."
When you visit, you will be greeted by 15 stunning acres of gardens with a jaw-dropping centerpiece: A glass dome Basilica topped with a 13-foot-tall statue of Our Lady of Fatima.
Mass at the Basilica is celebrated Monday to Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m., 12 p.m., and 5 p.m.
If you are looking for a pilgrimage that allows you ample space for prayer and reflection, there is no place better than Our Lady of Fatima, which features both a peaceful pond and a heart-shaped rosary pool.
During your visit, you will also want to check out the Shrines' 100 life-size statues, all of which can be found around the spacious property.
Before you go, visit the Shrine's gift shop for unique books, gifts, decor, and more.
To learn more about the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, please visit their website.