Fátima - a place for freedom and forgiveness: Portugal

Country Profile

Fátima - a place for freedom and forgiveness

OM International

For many years, OM Portugal has sent a team to work in Fátima in May. Every year, thousands of pilgrims travel to the catholic sanctuary of Fátima. This sanctuary has been built in the place where, in 1917, three children claimed to see Mary appear to them, and it has now become one of the great pillars of Portuguese Catholicism. Pilgrims believe that their sacrificial offerings will give them favour before God. Over the years, OM teams have provided drinks and a chance to chat and rest for many visitors. This is a great opportunity to show practical care and offer hope to people who are really looking for healing and forgiveness.

Paulo Barata, the new Field Leader of OM Portugal, who was there with a team this
year shares his impressions: “It was great to have this opportunity to share the freedom and forgiveness that can be found in Jesus Christ. We gave out around 1000 bottles of waters and 3000 pieces of literature. At the same time, my heart was heavy to see so many people lost without God and blinded by idolatry. We are convinced that it is right to bring light in the midst of this spiritual darkness and so we plan to send a team again to reach out to the pilgrims that will come to Fátima from 11th to 13th May 2010. Next year, we plan to open this opportunity for an international team to join us.”