Nestled just outside the town of Fátima, in the village of Aljustrel, lies the quiet and spiritually significant area of Valinhos. This serene location holds deep meaning for Catholics worldwide as the site of one of the Marian apparitions and the Angel of Peace‘s apparitions to the three shepherd children—Lucia dos Santos, Francisco Marto, and Jacinta Marto—in 1916 and 1917. Today, Valinhos offers a place of peace and reflection for pilgrims who wish to walk in the footsteps of the children and experience the tranquil atmosphere where these divine encounters took place.
For those on a pilgrimage to Fátima, Valinhos provides an opportunity to delve deeper into the spiritual history of the region and to contemplate the powerful messages of prayer, penance, and peace that Our Lady delivered to the world. In this article, we’ll explore the rich history of Valinhos, its connection to the Marian apparitions, and what to see and experience during a visit.
The History of Valinhos: A Site of Marian Apparition and Angelic Encounters
The Apparitions of Our Lady of Fátima are among the most well-known events in Catholic history, but Valinhos holds special significance because it was here, on August 19, 1917, that the fourth apparition of the Virgin Mary took place. This appearance occurred after the local authorities had briefly imprisoned the three shepherd children in an attempt to discredit the apparitions and prevent further gatherings of the faithful. Despite the children’s temporary captivity, Our Lady appeared to them again, this time in Valinhos, reaffirming the importance of her message.
Before the Marian apparitions began, Valinhos was also the location where the Angel of Peace appeared to the children in 1916. The angel’s appearances were meant to prepare the children for the upcoming encounters with the Virgin Mary, urging them to pray fervently and offer sacrifices for the conversion of sinners.
These sacred events have made Valinhos an integral part of the pilgrimage route in Fátima, and it remains a place where the faithful can reflect on the messages of peace, prayer, and sacrifice that are central to the Fátima apparitions.
Highlights and What to See in Valinhos
Valinhos is not as well-known as the central Sanctuary of Fátima, but it offers several deeply significant sites that are worth exploring for anyone seeking a spiritual experience. These sacred locations provide a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere, ideal for prayer and reflection.
1. The Loca do Cabeço (The Site of the Angel’s Apparition)
One of the most important sites in Valinhos is the Loca do Cabeço, a small, secluded grotto where the Angel of Peace appeared to the shepherd children in 1916. The angel appeared three times, preparing them for the future Marian apparitions and urging them to pray and offer sacrifices to God for the salvation of souls.
- What to See: The Loca do Cabeço is marked by a simple monument commemorating the angelic apparition. This humble setting, surrounded by the quiet natural landscape, provides a peaceful spot for personal prayer and reflection. Pilgrims often come here to meditate on the angel’s message of devotion, sacrifice, and prayer.
- Why Visit: The Loca do Cabeço is a quiet and sacred place that invites visitors to enter into a deeper state of contemplation. It reminds pilgrims of the importance of prayer and the call to participate in the spiritual mission entrusted to the shepherd children.
2. The Fourth Apparition Site
Just a short distance from the Loca do Cabeço is the exact location of the fourth apparition of Our Lady, which occurred on August 19, 1917. After the children were released from prison, they went to Valinhos, where the Virgin Mary appeared and encouraged them to continue their mission of spreading her messages.
- What to See: A simple monument now stands at the site where the Virgin Mary appeared, marking the spot of the fourth apparition. The monument includes an inscription that recounts the event, making it an important stop for pilgrims who wish to honor the messages of Fátima.
- Why Visit: This sacred site allows visitors to reflect on the courage of the shepherd children and the persistence of Our Lady’s message, even in the face of opposition. It is a poignant reminder that faith can overcome adversity and that the call to prayer and penance remains relevant today.
3. Via Sacra (The Way of the Cross)
A unique feature of Valinhos is the Via Sacra, or Way of the Cross, which begins at the Sanctuary of Fátima and leads pilgrims through the countryside to Valinhos. This path, marked by 14 Stations of the Cross, is often walked by pilgrims as an act of penance and devotion, mirroring the path that Christ walked on his way to Calvary.
- What to See: Each of the 14 Stations of the Cross is represented by a chapel or monument, offering places for prayer and reflection at each stop. At the end of the Via Sacra, pilgrims reach Lapa do Cabeço, where the angel first appeared to the children.
- Why Visit: The Via Sacra offers a powerful way to connect spiritually with the passion of Christ, while also walking in the footsteps of the shepherd children. It’s a beautiful path that winds through olive groves and rolling hills, providing a peaceful and contemplative experience for pilgrims.
4. Homes of the Visionary Children in Aljustrel
While not part of Valinhos itself, a visit to the homes of the visionary children in nearby Aljustrel is an essential stop for those exploring the Catholic heritage of Fátima. These simple, rustic homes have been preserved to show the modest lifestyle of Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta before the apparitions began. The homes offer a deeply personal connection to the children’s lives and the humble beginnings of the events that would change the Catholic world.
- What to See: The homes are filled with period furnishings and personal items that give a glimpse into the daily life of the shepherd children. There are also plaques and exhibits that recount their story and the impact of the Marian apparitions.
- Why Visit: Visiting the homes of the children allows pilgrims to experience the simplicity of their lives and to reflect on how God chose these humble, ordinary children to deliver such an extraordinary message to the world.
5. The Well of Arneiro
Located near Lucia’s family home is the Well of Arneiro, where the second apparition of the Angel of Peace took place. The angel appeared to the children at this well in 1916, urging them to pray for sinners and to make sacrifices for the conversion of the world.
- What to See: The well is a simple yet deeply significant site, marked by a plaque that commemorates the angel’s visit. It’s a peaceful spot where pilgrims can pause for prayer and reflection.
- Why Visit: The Well of Arneiro highlights the personal nature of the angelic apparitions, showing how the children encountered the divine in the ordinary settings of their daily lives.
Pilgrimage and Reflection in Valinhos
Valinhos offers pilgrims a unique opportunity to reflect on the messages of Fátima in a peaceful and serene setting. Unlike the bustling crowds often found at the Sanctuary of Fátima, Valinhos is a quiet, reflective space where pilgrims can connect with the spiritual significance of the Marian and angelic apparitions. Walking the paths once trodden by the shepherd children and spending time in prayer at these sacred sites provides a deeper understanding of the importance of prayer, penance, and devotion in the Catholic faith.
Conclusion
A visit to Valinhos, in the Fátima/Aljustrel area, is an essential part of any pilgrimage to Fátima. The peaceful atmosphere and historical significance of this sacred place allow visitors to connect more deeply with the events that took place in 1916 and 1917, when both the Angel of Peace and Our Lady appeared to the shepherd children. From the Loca do Cabeço to the Way of the Cross and the fourth apparition site, Valinhos offers a place of profound spiritual reflection and connection to the messages that continue to inspire Catholics around the world today.
For pilgrims seeking a quieter, more intimate experience of Fátima’s history, Valinhos is the perfect destination, offering a place to meditate on the call to prayer, sacrifice, and peace that remains as relevant today as it was over a century ago.
