Lisbon, Portugal: Adventures in Lisbon

My trip to Portugal has been absolutely incredible. While our primary residence has been Lisbon, our class has also traveled to areas outside of the city. This has allowed us to explore more than one environment in Portugal and experience different lifestyles. Not only have I expanded my knowledge of religion in Portugal, but I have been exposed to a new language, new perspectives, and beautiful architecture riddled with stories. 

Unfortunately, there is simply not enough room in this blog for all of the adventures we have been on. So for now, I will detail our most recent escapades.

Yesterday we ventured into downtown Lisbon to visit a church that Saint Anthony, the patron saint of Portugal, regularly prayed in. We also stopped by a museum that included a timeline of Saint Anthony's life as well as paraphernalia associated with him. Learning about Saint Anthony was essential to our studies, as he is regarded as one of the most important religious figures in Portugal and the entire Catholic community. 81% of Portugal's population identifies as catholic, and many pray to Saint Anthony religiously. 

This is one of the many figures of Saint Anthony shown in the museum. He is shown holding baby Jesus because he once saw an apiration of Jesus in this form.

This is the Lisbon Cathedral, an extremely important site concerning Saint Anthony. He was said to have warded off a demon by tracing a cross on the walls of the church. That cross can still be seen today. (Shown below). 

 

Today we visited Fatima, another important religious site in Portugal. People all over the world will travel to Fatima in the name of Jesus. This is where three children claim they saw the Blessed Mother Mary, and where she told them three secrets that would eventually shake our population. We then walked to the site where most of the aspirations were seen. It was breathtaking to see.

 

 

Most of the places we have visited have given me chills. It has been an absolute blessing to have been given this opportunity. I have run headfirst into this culture in hopes that I may gain a new appreciation for people. There is so much to learn about our world and the rich history that creates its identity. Portugal has been nothing less than a dream and I am overjoyed over the experience.