The Candlelight Procession at Fatima

Yesterday, August 10th, a few pilgrims decided to participate in the Candlelight Procession at Fatima which takes place nightly at 9:30PM. Preceeding the procession is an international rosary accompanied with music. There were at least 1,000 pilgrims present. After the rosary concluded, the procession was led by a giant illuminated cross followed by pilgrims holding flags, and then the pilgrims themselves holding their lit candles. In the middle of the procession was a statue of Our Lady of Fatima being carried (kind of like the way she was carried in our Rosary Bowl procession if you were there for that), surrounded by her priests (like 20 of them!). This was a beautiful experience for us to participate in because there isn´t anything like it in the States!
Beyond the nightly procession, there was a lot to experience in Fatima. We were able to see the original chapel that was built after the three little shepherds, Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta, saw Mary. There was a little section (for lack of a better term) that had candle holders in it (a lot) where pilgrims could light candles for special intentions...there were so many candles lit! It was amazing!
The other thing in Fatima that really struck me was that some people, as a form of penance or devotion, walked on their knees for a long stretch (I`m not very good at determining distances). They used knee pads because their knees would bleed...it was a powerful thing to see. I can´t describe it any more than that...it was beautiful and I can´t wait to go back there some day! Maybe then I feel called to walk on my knees...