09 april, 2014
The visiting of the tombs of the Little Shepherds is guaranteed in practically the whole period of the works
Intending, as horizon, the celebration of the Centenary of the Apparitions, the Sanctuary of Fatima will conduct a thorough intervention of cleansing and restoration inside the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima, which will imply its closure over a long period of time.
Since its construction, the constant use of the building over several decades has led to the browning of the inner surfaces and to the degradation or erosion of some materials. The work to be undertaken is aimed fundamentally at conservation and cleansing, but the opportunity will be seized to develop other important interventions in the conditions of lighting and sound.
The work of repair also includes the improvement of the safety situation of pilgrims, mainly on accessibility issues. Special attention will also be paid to the whole artistic heritage. The annexed spaces, e.g. the sacristy and the chapel of St. Joseph, will also be improved.
Besides, it seemed suitable to make an intervention in order to highlight the meaning and worth of the visits to the tombs of the Little Shepherds and the veneration of the relics of Blessed Francisco and Jacinta Marto. In this context, the Sanctuary intends to create a devotional path that allows the pilgrims to pray before the relics of the Seers, in conditions of greater tranquility and recollection.
Another work of no small importance to be carried out during the same period is the reconstruction of the great pipe organ in the Basilica. The renewal of the instrument will be carried through, taking advantage as much as possible of the existing one. But a number of things, certainly, need to be changed.
The works of restoration will begin on the 14th May 2014 and will continue for several months, in principle till the end of 2015. For this reason, the celebrations there taking place will be transferred to other locations, as follows: the official masses 07:30am, 09:00am, 12:30pm, 15:00pm, 16:30pm and 18:30pm will be celebrated in the Capela da Morte de Jesus [Chapel of the Death of Jesus], on the lower floor of the Basilica of the Holy Trinity; Mass 11:00am, Monday to Saturday, will be celebrated in the Basilica of the Holy Trinity.
However, the visiting of the tombs of the Little Shepherds is guaranteed and will remain possible in practically the whole period of the works, with the exception of one or another time when security reasons require its interdiction.
The Sanctuary thanks in advance all visitors and pilgrims to Fatima for the understanding and tolerance towards the inconveniences the work of repair may cause.
António Valinho
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