Our Lady of Fatima, which is celebrated on May 13, and her Shrine "could well be considered the heart of Portuguese Catholicism," the blog noted. Augustinians. "In 1917, in the midst of a turbulent political environment and in the middle of an inhospitable wasteland, located in the geographical center of the country (Portugal), Mary appeared six times to three shepherd children. They were Lucia and her two cousins, the saint brothers Francisco and Jacinta Marto".
"This religious experience had, in the medium term, the effect of raising and strengthening the morale of Portuguese Catholicism." "Today, there is almost no Portuguese church without the image of Our Lady of Fatima. Nor any diocese, parish or Portuguese movement that does not have programmed activities in this place. The prayers, songs and devotions around Fatima are known and used by all".
Presence, expulsion, return
– Supernatural Order of St. Augustine was present in Portugal from 1244 until the disentailment, when its goods were seized and the religious dispersed. During the World Youth Day (WYD) of 2023 in Lisbon, the Portuguese Augustinians will host the Augustinian Youth Encounterwhich brought together young people from all over the world.
Their patron saint was always the Virgin of Grace, whose convent overlooked the city of Lisbon from one of its hills. For this reason, the Portuguese Augustinians were known as the "Gracianos". As have writtenWe have given the country distinguished figures, such as Blessed Gonzalo de Lagos and Vicente de Santo Antonio (martyred in Japan). Also the mystical writer Tomé de Jesús, Alejo de Meneses, archbishop of Goa (India) and Braga (Portugal), primate of the East Indies," etc.
A 137-year wait
Since 1986, the Augustinians are present in Santa Iria de Azóia, and since 2004 in São Domingos de Rana, forming since 2010 the two current communities. Fr. San Gregorio recounted that since 1834, when they were expelled by order of the Marquis of Pombal, they had to wait until the General Chapter of 1971, about 137 years. Then, the Prior General Theodore Tack, his council and the rest of the Augustinians decided to restore the presence of the Order in Portugal".
Our Lady of Fatima in October in Rome
If the newly elected Pope Leo XIV not otherwise provided, the original statue of Our Lady of Fatima will be in Rome this year. It will be on the occasion of the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality, on October 11 and 12, 2025, as reported by Omnes.
