Today is day 4 and another beautiful day at 11 degree C, cloudy and no rain forecast. We started the day with mass at the hotel chapel, then breakfast afterwards. Our morning was free time and we headed to Pingo Doce, a grocery nearby to buy canned Bacalao (Cod), and some goodies to take home. Next was shopping for souvenirs, and religious articles and we were lucky to find some good ones. Some of us went to the shopping area for lunch but a few of us tried a restaurant called "Lebre" just around the corner from the hotel. Lunch was delicious and very reasonable we wanted to practically try each of the food on the counter. With tired and achy knees, we decided to head back to the hotel for rest, and rested we did. The whole group met again at the lobby in the afternoon. We walked to the shrine and on to the museum. At first, I was able keep pace walking with the group especially getting a rest watching a short film about the Fatima miracles. A short while inside the museum, my right knee twitched and a searing pain followed, and then my knees just gave up on me. I cried and Butch decided we should get out as I could not breathe and perspiring cold sweat. We were able to get out and rested outside of the museum waiting for the rest of the group to come out. The walking was not done, another chapel was visited, where the Lucia's memoir letters were displayed but I decided to stay outside and avoided the 2 long flight of steps down the chapel. My beautiful in and out and ever helpful sister in CFC, Ogie stayed with me and kept me company while Butch joined the group. At 62, I looked fit but just realized my movements are so limited I was so embarrassed that I did not keep up with the group, and we are only halfway of the 13 day pilgrimage. Earlier, we were pleasantly surprised that the museum tour guide was a Filipino nun from the Philippines. What really touched us was what she said that we did not come to Fatima because we were invited by our priest or just to see the place. We are here because the Lady of Fatima called us to be here. There is a special reason and purpose. It is not coincidence. She said we may want to ask Mother Mary what she really wants from us. It was a very profound message to us and we will surely be discerning on it. The day was not done yet since after dinner we walked to the sanctuary of Fatima again and prayed the rosary with various congregations from all over the world. We had a candlelight procession and the sight was really beautiful! What an experience and how fulfilling it is to be with devotees from all over the world. It is 12 midnight and time to rest and call it a night, sleep with smiles on our faces!
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