May 13th 1917 and the 13th of 5 following months the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared for three shepherd children at Fátima in Portugal. Appearing to the children, she told them that she had been sent by God with a message for every man, woman and child living in our century. The events at Fátima gained particular fame due to their elements of prophecy and eschatology, particularly with regard to possible world war and the conversion of Russia. The reported apparitions at Fátima were officially declared "worthy of belief" by the Catholic Church.
So apparently, it's common in Portugal when facing dramatic situations (disease, trouble in a birth of a child, even scholar examinations) to make a promise, most of them to "Nossa Senhora de Fátima". And this usually includes walking to Fatima on foot (from anywhere in Portugal) or at least walking across the square on the knees. The catholics like to burn a candle for your loved ones. Same in Fatima, but instead of burning a candle you throw it into a huge open fire. But the best part of all this is that not only normal candles are burnt, but also candles in the shape of body parts that they sell there. Hands, legs, breasts, eyes, ears... For instance you burn a candle in the shape of a leg, to pray for your mother who just had her leg broken.
This all sounds so amazing, I really have to go there.
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