PORTUGAL FATIMA -THE PILGRIM (5)

5.

“BE HOLY YOURSELVES” ( 1PT 1, 15)

MAIN DOOR OF THE BASILICA OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

The Spirit hovered over the water at the beginning of creation as suggested in the figures in that door. That is the same Spirit that we receive through Baptism and which sanctifies us today as it sanctified Francisco and Jacinta one hundred years ago, the Spirit that lives in the heart of people of those who becomes a beautiful and possible path which will turn me into a true gift for humankind. I have in my thoughts all men and women that need my surrender and my prayer today and I pray so that the grace of Lord Jesus, Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit are with them all ( 2 Cor 13,13), offering like the little shepherds: “Oh, my Jesus, this is love for You, for the conversion of the sinners, for the Holy Father and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Marys.”

I become aware of this great hope that opens a horizon of endless sense to life and which justifies all the weariness of the way/

“Like an anchor , let us fix our hope in that humanity seated in heaven at the right hand of the Father (Eph2,6).May this hope guide our lives!it is a hope that sustains us always, to our dying breath. Confirmed in this hope, we are gathered here to give thanks for the countless graces bestowed over these past hundred years, beneath the mantle of Light that Our Lady has spread over the 4 corners of the earth, beginning with this land of Portugal, so rich in hope”.

(Pope Francis’ Family in the mass with canonization rite of Francisco and Jacinta Marto , on 13^th May 2017)

PORTUGAL FATIMA -THE PILGRIM (4)

4.

“LOOK, GO TO THE CHURCH AND GIVE MY LOVE TO THE HIDDEN JESUS”.(FRANCISCO MARTO)

CHAPEL OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

I find Hidden Jesus in the white Host. I come before Jesus as God with us, like a close friend present in the Sacrament of Eucharist, I am invited to worship Him, through my worshipping I profess my faith, my hope and my love, committing to place Him in the centre of my life and confess to Him the weakness of my humanity. With a willing and thankful heart, I want to increasingly immerse myself deeply in that relationship of God’s friends that is re-learnt in Fatima.

Francisco, already sick, would say to young Lucia:
“ Look : go to the Church and give my love to the hidden Jesus : What hurts me most is that I cannot go there myself and stay awhile with the hidden Jesus.

I come to the source of Grace and Mercy to ask the Lord to insert me in this attitude of those who accept the invitation of Our Lady- do you want to offer yourselves to God? To turn your whole life a “well pleasing gift to the Lord”(Rm 12, 1).(Only in that generous and joyful offer of myself to God and to my fellow men I can fully accomplish my condition of man or woman created by God. We are “of the race of God”, “We are of His Breed ‘ (acts 17, 28-29), therefore , our life path is to follow the same steps as Him.

My prayer transforms itself here into the desire of God and commitment towards Him and I am invited to prepare some specific purposes deriving from this meeting with Jesus:

PORTUGAL FATIMA -THE PILGRIM (3)

3.

“OUR LADY COMMUNICATED TP US SUCH AN INTENSIVE LIGHT, MAKING US SEE OURSELVES IN GOD, WAS THAT LIGHT” (Sister Lucia on the apparition of 13^th May)

CHAPEL OF THE APPARITIONS

In the Chapel I find myself in the centre of the Mystery that fills up this Shrine. Here is where Our Lady appeared full of Light and spoke to Mankind about God. Fatima is more than anything this mantle of Light that protect us…..” (Pope Francis, 13^th May 2017). The Light conveyed here pierces through the heart, that is, it invites you to let God be the Light clears all darkness and that despondency, sadness and anguish may never have the final word.

Before the image of Our Lady, crowned with the gold from Portuguese women and with the bullet that wounded John Paul II, I deliver all the joy and hope, worries and suffering, all the uncertainties and insecurities, quite sure that nothing in my life is indifferent to Her.

The Lady shrouded in Light assured Lucia here, as She assures me: “I will never forsake you. My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the way that will lead you to God.

Under this hope, I remain praying, protected by Her maternal mantle and entrust to Her all my intentions, through the prayer that She asked us for more: the Rosary. The little shepherds waited for each apparition while praying the rosary as if preparing for a special meeting. I now let the Rosary be the environment where the Mother can ask and lead to Jesus.

 

 

 

PORTUGAL FATIMA -THE PILGRIM (2)

2.

“HIGH UP ON THE SLOPE IN THE COVA DA IRIA, I WAS PLAYING WITH JACINTA AND FRANCISCO AT BUILDING A LITTLE STONE WALL AROUND A CLUMP OF FURZE.SUDDENLY WE SAW WHAT SEEMED TO BE A FALSH OF LIGHTING.   (Sister Lucia, description of 13^th May 1917.)

BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY

The 3 little shepherds, before the apparition on 13^th May 1917, were on that place building a “ small wall”.Years later this Basilica would be built ,besides the chapel built in the apparition site, responding to me one of Our Lady of Fatima’s request: I want to tell you that a chapel is to be built here in my honour.

I recall before the altar, the Church, my parish community, my family and all who somehow helped me to born by the Spirit. Next to the cross, the pilgrim image of the Virgin who has travelled through countries and people of all over the world, encourages me to gradually build this pilgrim –Church , acknowledging that it is Him who really builds it.

In a thanksgiving attitude I am willing to be part of that construction and simultaneously to look after the inner home, of the heart- space where God wants to live in.

Based on some expressions of Benedict XVI, on 13^th May 2010, I ask saint Francisco and Jacinta Marto :

Francisco and Jacinta,

Who made a donation to God Of your life and sharing it with others,

Help me to open my heart to love universality, thus, building a civilization of Love and Peace.

Intercede for me so that the Mother may transplant in my heart the Love of God that burns in Hers and speed up the Triumph of Her Immaculate Heart.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory.

PORTUGAL FATIMA- THE PILGRIM(1)

ITINERARY OF THE PILGRIM

(SOURCE: SHRINE OF FATIMA)

1.

Beginning of my itinerary in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit .Amen.

“IN THE GOSPEL , WE HEAR JESUS SAY TO HIS DISCIPLE :”HERE IS YOUR MOTHER”. WE HAVE A MOTHER!”

Papa Francis’s homily in Mass with canonization rite of Francisco and Jacinta Marto, on 13^th May 2017.

HIGH CROSS

In this Shrine, the Cross is the signal that raises higher, as the mark of the Crucified who attracts everyone to Him. From here on I am invited to look at this place as the beloved son /daughter whom is given a Mother and a house that is the arriving point of the weariness of the journey as well as always renewed starting point.

As Lucia, in the Tuy apparition in 1929, I pray before Jesus Crucified:

Most Holy Trinity , Father, Son and Holy Spirit , I adore you profoundly.

In some moments of silence, I gaze at the Cross of Jesus and bring my history to my thoughts and prayer, I recall my inner wounds and willingly prepare my heart to listen, like John:

……( I say my name ), here is your Mother (Jo 19,27)

Jesus entrust me to the Immaculate Heart of Mary as a haven where I find peace. While walking to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, I walk by the image of St John Paul II, the Pope whose motto was based on that delivery to Mary- Totus Tuus- which encourages me to feel the same trust. Further, ahead, the piece of the Berlin Wall reminds me that, through Mary, God bring down all walls: those of indifference, of contention, of sin, of death, all of them can be brought down.

DUTCH - THE NETHERLAND-THE COUTRY OF TULIPS , WINDMILLS , BIKES AND CHEESE

THE NETHERLANDS-THE COUTRY OF TULIPS , WINDMILLS , BIKES AND CHEESE

TULIPS

Originally cultivated in the Ottoman Empire ( present –day Turkey), tulips were imported into The Netherland in the sixteenth century.Today , the Netherland is still known for its tulips and other flowers, often being affectionately called the “ flower shop of  the world”.Tulips are cultivated in great fields of beautiful colour and tulip festivals abound throughout the country in the spring. 

Come to The Netherland in mid April to see the tulips in bloom in their peak season. Tulip season extends from the end of March to the middle of May, but Mid April usually sports the most prolific blossoms. Keukenhof in Lisse is covered by 7 million bulbs in the spring and is one of the best places to get a good look at many different varieties of tulip.

WINDMILLS

The first windmills were invented in antiquity, but it was the Dutch who really hit it off with this wooden giant. In a flat country, where the wind always blows, windmills sprouted from the ground like mushrooms. They were used to mill,saw, pump and press. The production of boards, paint , oil and paper , as well as bread and mustard- among other things-depended on windmills and wind. In addition, windmills were used to pump the water out of lakes and to keep reclaimed land dry.

“Unique in its kind”, announced Napolean when he arrived at the Zaanse Schans. 600 willmills made up the world’s first industrial area.Today, the 250 year old windmill park is a fascinating open air museum.

The second Saturday and Sunday in May in National Mill Day in The Netherland. On that day 950 windmills and watermills open their doors to visitors.

BIKES

The Netherland is biking and biking is The Netherland. The Dutch head for the handlebars for both small errands as well as longer trips. The country’s 16 million inhabitants own 18 million bicycles, which means that there are more bicycles than people in The Netherland. 

Of course The Netherland is the perfect places for biking thanks to this flat landscape featuring over 18000 miles of bike paths.

CHEESE

Dutch Cheese production is currently in the hands of dairy factories, which produce and export hundreds of millions of tons of cheese every year. The cheese markets in Alkmaar, Gouda and Edam remind us of the origins of a flourishing cheese trade and have become popular tourist attractions. 

The Dutch still love cheese and eat about 7 pounds of it annually per person.Just like Julius Caesar, let yourself be surprised about the many types of Dutch Cheeses and sample the country’s “yellow old”.

 

DUTCH - UTRECHT –THE BEATING HART OF THE NETHERLANDS

UTRECHT –THE BEATING HART OF THE NETHERLANDS

Utretch is the lively, beating heart of Netherland. It was built around the Dom Tower, which you can see from any point in the city, so there is no way you can get lost in the attractive , car free city centre.

Utretcht boasts beautiful canals with extraordinary wharf cellars housing cafes and terraces by the water. As well as the Dom Tower,Utrecht boasts hundreds of other monuments that each contribute to the special atmosphere in this centuries old university town.

Utrecht has some superb shopping to offer A broad variety of shops and boutiques lines the canals and streets in theinner city. The city centre is small enough to explore on foot but big enough to entertain you for days with art and culture. The Rietveld Schroder Huis, Dick Bruna Huis , Catharijneconvent, Central  Museum and Museum Speelklok are just a few of the many extraordinary places to visit.

 

DUTCH - THE HAGUE – THE POLITICAL CENTREOF NETHERLANDS

THE HAGUE – THE POLITICAL CENTRE OF NETHERLANDS

The Hague is the third largest city in the Netherlands and is also known as “the Residence”,  the Royal Residence” and “the city of Peace and Justice”.The Hague earns its nicknames to housing the seat of the Dutch government, the Royal Family and many international organisations,mostly of a judicial nature,including the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

Walking through the Hague you are surrounded by monuments,statues and palaces. One of the highlights of The Hague is the political center of The Netherlands, the Binnenhof.The Hague has a rich cultural diversity and many theatres , museums and festivals.World class works of modern art and fashion are presented at the Gemeente Museum Den Haag. The collection of old masters at the Royal Picture Galley Mauritshuis, includes the famous painting “Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Johannes Vermeer.

Situated along the North Sea you can reach the beach resorts Scheveningen and Kijkdun in a 20 minute bicycle ride.

DUTCH -THE NETHERLANDS -ROTTERDAM –WORLD PORT WORLD CITY

ROTTERDAM –WORLD PORT WORLD CITY

Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and it’s different from any other Dutch city. The impressive skyline has earned Rotterdam the nickname “Manhattan on the Meuse”.

Rotterdam’s world port is the largest port in Europe and in the top 5 largest port in the world.The city is an architectural and cultural metropolis with many attractions, festivals and museums. A vivacious , young urban cultura and superlative selection of shops, restaurants and cafes. Originally , Rotterdam was a working class city and the Rotterdam way of thinking  is still dominated by honesty and hard work.

Well known architectural highlights are the Erasmus Bridge, the Van Nelle Building, the Cube Houses, the Euromast and the Kop Van Zuid

The art lover is spoilt for choice in Rotterdam. The most well known places of interest are the Boijmans Vaan Beuningen Museum, the Kunsthal and NAi.

DUTCH -THE NETHERLANDS CAPITAL -AMSTERDAM

CAPITAL –AMSTERDAM

What makes Amsterdam so attractive is the 17^th century historical atmosphere combined with the mentality of a modern metropolis creating a friendly and relaxed environment.The small scale of the buildings and the intimacy of the streets,canals and squares create an atmosphere that visitors find unique.

The city has the highest museum density in the world and is home to cultural highlights, such as the Van Gogh Museum , Anne Frank House, Hermitage Amsterdam and the Rijksmuseum with Rembrandt’s world famous Night watch. Other well known places of interest in Amsterdam are the Palace on the Dam, the Artis Zoo, Jewish Historical Museum and the Rembrandt House.

Take a canal tour of Amsterdam and discover the historical canal district which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011. The best way to get around Amsterdam is on a bike. You won’’t become any more local than by cycling around Amsterdam.

DUTCH –MUSEUM IN ROTTERDAM

DUTCH –MUSEUM IN ROTTERDAM

MUSEUM BOIJMANS VAN BEUNINGEN

Museum Boijmans van Beuningen has a collection over 140000 pieces of art.The exposition contains old and modern art, artifacts and design.

 Most the collection is on display in the museum, while some sculptures can be found in the adjacent sculpture park. The highlights of the museum Boijmans van Beuningen are : Self Potrait by Fabritius, the Wheatfield by Ruisdael , the flight of Medea by Rubens. You can also find works of Rembrandt ,Van Gogh ,Frans Hals, Jan Steen , Kandinsky, MArgritte, Dali, Kokoschka, Leornardo da Vinci, Cornell , Beackmann and many others at the museum.

KUNSTHAL

“The more, the better” seem to be the slogan at Kunsthal Rotterdam. Every year the Kunsthl stges 25 new exhibitions, which cover all kinds of cultural expressions. Visit the Kunsthal and you are in for a surprise.

The Kunsthal isn’t afraid to be new, progressive and adventurous .There is room for all kinds of art: old, new and experimental art, photography, design and anything else you can imagine.Just like many other other museum buildings in Rotterdam , the Kunsthal is an architectonical highlight in itself. Rem Koolhaas, the architect, decided to give it an exceptional 3300 square metres surface area

RIETVELD SCHRODER HOUSE

The Rietveld Schroder House in Utretcht was commissioned by Truus Schrader and designed by the architect Gerrit Rietveld.This small one family house dates from 1924.It was unique back then and still is today. In 2000, UNESCO awarded the house World Heritage status. 

Rietveld was a member of “ De Stijl”(The Style), an artistic movement with artists like Piet Mondrian., who searched for a new ideal for harmony and order. Composition were made of straight lines and primary colors,plus back and white.The Rietveld Schroder House fits the ideals of  The Style.It is most influential domestic building of the early modern period.

DUTCH – MUSEUM IN THE HAGUE

DUTCH – MUSEUM IN THE HAGUE

MAURITSHUIS –HOME OF THE “GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING”

‘Het Mauritshuis” is located next to the political heart of Netherland in the city center of The Hague. It has a marvelous collection of art from the old masters of the 17^th and 18^th century. The Girl with a pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer is the stunning highlight of the museum. In 1881, it was sold for around 1 euro. At an auction in the Hague,no one knew it as a Vermeer and it was acquired by an art connoisseur called Mr Des Tombe. The museum was built as a residence for Count Johan Maurits van Nassasu Siegen in 1644.

 

DUTCH - MUSEUM IN AMSTERDAM

MUSEUM IN AMSTERDAM

VAN GOGH MUSEUM

Vincent van Gogh was a 19^th century Dutch post –impressionist painter. His works were of great influence on 20^th century art. During his life he was little appreciated. He only sold one work of art. 

Today, the Van Gogh Museum attracts around 1.5 million visitors  a year.No other place in the world has so many paintings of Vincent van Gogh under 1 roof. The collection consists of more than 200 canvases, 500 drawings and 750 written documents .Together these provide a fantastic insight into his life and work.

VAN GOGH 125 YEARS OF INSPIRATION

In 2015, it will be exactly 125 years ago since Vincent Van Gogh’s death. The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Kroller –Muller Museum in Otterlo and Noordbrabants Museum in Den Bosch, while show parts of Van Gogh’s oeuvre,will honour the painter with special exhibitions revolving around the theme”Van Gogh 125 years of inspiration”. In addition countless anniversary activities relating to Vincent Van Gogh’s cultural heritage had organized in Netherland in 2015.

ANNE FRANK HOUSE

The Anne Frank House is a museum with a story.It’s situated in the center of Amsterdam and holds the hiding place where Anne Frank wrote her famous diary during World War II.Anne Frank was a normal girl in exceptional circumstances.

 For more than 2 years she described the events of her daily life in hiding in her diary.Anne’s original diary along with some of her other notebooks are on displays as part of her other notebooks are on display a part of the Anne Frank House’s permanent exhibitions focus on the wartime persecution of Jews, Contemporary facism, racism and anti-Semitism.

DUTCH – MUSEUMS IN NETHERLANDS

DUTCH – MUSEUMS IN NETHERLANDS

Netherlands has the world’s highest density of museums and galleries. Although a small country, the number of high quality art venues turn Netherland into a large district of wonder, presenting art in all its facet.

Step off the beaten city paths and set eyes on classic masterpieces in world renowned museums such as the Rijikmuseum, the Mauritshuis and Museum Boijmas van Beuningen.Whether the interest  is for arts, architecture, heritage , design , fashion , music or photography, Amsterdam, Rotterdam , The Hague and Utrecht are filled with venues the National Museum, the Rijksmuseum, is home to a wonderful collection of Dutch art and history .

After a visit to the Rijksmuseum you will have more historical and cultural awareness and you will have seen some of the greatest Dutch cultural highlights.

RIJKSMUSEUM – THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NETHERLANDS

All together the collection of the Rijksmuseum presents the history of the Netherlands in an  international context from 1100 to present. These are a few historical and cultural Dutch icons you cannot miss:

-Rembrandt’s Night Watch ( De Nachtwacht ) is one of the most famous works by a Dutch master and will steal your breath away.

Rijksmuseum has one of the finest collections with paintings by great masters of the 17^th century, such as Frans Hals, Jan Steen, Vermeer and Rembrandt Van Rijn.

 

DUTCH - THE NERTHELANDS

HOLLAND ? OR THE NETHERLANDS?

Internationally , “Holland” is often used to indicate the Netherlands. The official name of the country is the (Kingdom of the ) Netherlands consists out of 12 provinces. 2 of them, North and South Holland, are the 2 provinces that together make Holland, are the 2 provinces that together make Holland. Due to the maritime and economic power of these provinces in the 17^th century,the Netherlands became known worldwide as Holland. To make matters even more confusing the inhabitants of the Netherlands are called Dutch.

PEOPLE

With over 16.5 million people and a population density of 488 people per square kilometres.The total size of the Netherlands is 41500 square kilometres. Amsterdam is the capital , but the government resides in Hague. More than 40% of the total population live in the Randstad, the agglomeration of the cities of Amsterdam,Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht.

LANGUAGE

The official language is Dutch.The population of the province of Friesland has a choice between Dutch and Frisian, the only officially recognized regional language. Many Dutch people also speak German and English.

LANDSCAPE

Water dominates the Dutch landscape. 3 big European rivers (Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt) reach the ocean via the Netherlands and create an important delta. 26% of the Netherlands is under sea level. During an age-long battle against the water, the Dutch constructed a water system consisting of dykes, polders and weirs. However, the Netherlands offers more variation than the familiar green, flat polder landscape with black and white cows.

ECONOMY

The Netherlands is known as a politically stable country with a sound financial policy. The Netherlands is one of the most open economies in the world and is one of the world’s top 5 biggest exporters.

Orange is related to the Dutch Royal Family and represents the national identity of the Netherlands.That’s why Dutch fans dress up in orange. During some sport events the whole country turns orange and people become infected with what we like to call the “orange fever.

NETHERLAND’S KEY FACTS

Surface area       : 41,528 square kilometres ( 18.4 % water)

Total population : over 16.5 million

Population density : 488 people per square kiloometres

Capital city : Amsterdam (inhabitants : 805 166 in 2019)

Government : The Hague

Official Language : Dutch, Frisian (only spoken in Friesland)

Type of government : Constitutional monarch –parliamentary democracy

Religion : 45% no religion, 27% Roman Catholic, 17% Protestant, 6% Muslim, 1% Muslim, 1 % Hindu, 1 % Buddhist

Currency : Euro

National Holidays : King’s Day ( 26 April), Liberation Day ( 5 May)

Highest point : 323 m ( Vaalserberg Limburg)

Lowest Point : 6.7 (Nieuwerkerk aan den I Jssell, Zuid –Holland)

Average temperature in July 17.4 degree celcius

Average Temperature in January : 2.8 degree celcius

PORTUGAL NAZARE

PORTUGAL NAZARE

Located in the central coast of Portugal , between Lisbon and Porto, land of legends and traditions, sea and fishing, simple and friendly people., Nazare still maintains the authenticity that inspired writes and dazzled artists. The female costume, used spontaneously in the day to day ; the typical way of speaking , rich in unique expression;the narrow streets running down to the sea, the geometrically aligned houses and the traditional cuisine, where fish rules , combined with a breathtaking landscape and vibrant liveliness, are more than enough reasons to stay in Nazare.A place to discover all around the year.

SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF NAZARE

Pilgrimage shrine of royal devotion, in baroque style, inside it houses 6568 18th century tiles, the adored statue of the Madonna of Nazare and so much local history.

FORT OF SAINT MICHAEL ARCHANGEL (LIGHTHOUSE)

Old defense fortress to protect the coastline, symbol of the autonomy of the Nazarenes, lighthouse and the best viewpoint over Praia do Norte and the biggest waves of the world.

For surfers, bodyboarders and all wavelovers Nazare and its beaches offer the ideal spots and conditions for wave sports. In addition to good waves, the sea offers the possibility of boat trips, dolphin watching, water sports and fishing and much more!

And on days without waves, discover here the other side of the sea, hiking, nature, cultural heritage, cycling or horse riding, you just have to choose.

To discover Nazare is to get lost in its narrow streets, stroll along the immense golden sandy beach, take the century old Funicular and admire the awesome panorama from Sitio’s viewpoint .Stop by to eat grilled fresh fish, a succulent stew (caldeirada), delicious seafood , or to taste some sun-dried carapaus in one of the village’s many restaurants. It is to fall in love with an amazing sunset and believe in giants with the waves of Praia do Norte…..In Nazare we have everything for everyone. Here we live fulltime emotions.

 

PORTUGAL PORTO - CONTEMPORARY PORTO

CONTEMPORARY PORTO

ITINERARY SUGGESTION

Dragon stadium + FC Porto Museum

Casa Da Musica

Bom Sucesso Market

Serralves Foundation

Foz Market

Foz

City Park

 

PORTUGAL PORTO -HISTORIC CENTRE –RIBEIRA

 HISTORIC CENTRE –RIBEIRA

ITINERARY SUGGESTION

Jardim Morro

Luis I Bridge

The Cathedral

The historic quarter of viewpoint Largo Coolegio

Rua das Flores

MMIPO- Misericordia do Porto Museum

Largo Sao Domingos

 Port and Douro Wines Institute

Church of Sao Francisco

Casa do Infante

Ribeira

Port Wine’s museum

Miragaia Quarter

World of Discoveries Museum

Alfandega do Porto

PORTUGAL PORTO - CITY CENTRE –BAIXA

CITY CENTRE –BAIXA

Itinerary suggestion :

Porto City Hall

Avenida doas Aliados

Bolha Market

Almas Church

Rua Santa Catarina

Café Mejestic

Sao Bento Railway Station

Rua Dos Clerigos

Clerigos  Tower

Cadeia da Relacao( former prison of the court of Appeal)

Livarria Lello

Church of Carmo and CArrmelitas

Art Galleries District(Rua Miuel Bombarda and Rua Rosario)

Soares dos Res National Museum

Gardens off Palacio de Cristal