Fátima: ocasião de vida que não se deixa conter

Abstract

Fatima is a reality with a strength of its own. It appears as a centre of life that eludes what can be said of it. It manifests all its strength starting with a marginal positioning and presenting itself imbued with universal propensity. On the one hand, the reality of Fatima emerges where, at the time, one would least expect it. After a while, it is assumed by the Christian universe without being, however, entirely circumscribed by it. Towards it converge very varied human searches, not always clear from a Christian point of view. Even within this universe, Fatima seems to hold a marginal position, insofar as it allows the expression of a popular religiosity that reveals features of its own when compared to a faith regarded as more enlightened. On the other hand, Fatima has an expansion dynamics, as it has acquired a multidirectional projection considering the circumstances in which it started. In fact, Fatima has been recognized by the various pontificates of recent decades. The thesis of Fatima’s transversal relevance in time and space has also been advanced. Also, it is intended to spread beyond the Cova da Iria the experience that is generated and takes shape there. Finally, different glances are cast over Fatima, which together amplify the understanding one has of it.