Choose either the small or the large door and step into an experience that, as its introduction suggests, offers a sense of warm welcome. Our Lady speaks to the little ones, and the symbolism of the narrow door at the entrance guides us into a space dedicated to the two small candles, Jacinta and Francisco, reminding us that through our humility, we become great in the heart of God.
The House of Candles is open daily, and entrance is free.
Brief History
Inaugurated in 2014, the CASA DAS CANDEIAS [House of Candles] museum complex belongs to the Francisco and Jacinta Marto Foundation. It is much more than an exhibition showcasing works of art and interesting objects; it is a space filled with the warmth of a home, an intimate place where visitors feel welcomed, as it evokes the life and spirituality of Francisco and Jacinta Marto.
Why “Candeias” [Candles]? Francisco and Jacinta are “two candles that God lit to illuminate humanity in its dark and troubled hours”.
Collection
At the Casa das Candeias, visitors have the opportunity to take a guided tour with one of the sisters. Through personal objects, artifacts from the little shepherds’ home, relics, books, images, photographs, and illustrations, the guide shares precious details about the lives of the little shepherds.
The space is divided into different areas. Upon entering, we are greeted by a section called \”I. Esboço\” [Sketch] where we can view sketches of the statues of the Angel of Peace and Our Lady, which are located in Aljustrel. We are welcomed into the history of the spiritual lives of the Little Shepherds of Fátima.
Sketches of the Angel and Our Lady statues.
Jacinta and Francisco Marto
In the space dedicated to the story of the Little Shepherds of Fátima, Jacinta and Francisco, we find personal belongings and relics. In this section, we learn about Francisco, who could only see the apparitions but never heard the Angel or Our Lady. Despite this, he never felt diminished by the fact that Lúcia and Jacinta both could see and hear Her. His love was silent, always by Jacinta’s side, as he demonstrated immense compassion in his desire to help save souls from hell.
As we listen to the stories, the images on the paintings before us shift, revealing new images and objects. The final panel is dedicated to Pope John Paul II.
Illustrative Paintings of the Apparitions, by Sister Maria da Conceição
In this space, we can find paintings of the Apparitions of Our Lady of Fátima and the Angel’s apparitions, made by Sister Maria da Conceição (1914-2003) under the guidance of Sister Lúcia, the Shepherdess of Fátima, who was with her at the Carmelite Convent in Fátima. Sister Lúcia’s close involvement ensured that these paintings remained as faithful as possible to the events. They were created at the request of Father Kondor, the Vice-Postulator of the Cause for the Beatification of the Shepherds.
These are the same images provided by the Francisco and Jacinta Marto Foundation, which the Raízes de Fátima website uses as illustrations in the eBooks on the Apparitions, available for free distribution. To explore the eBooks about the Apparitions of Our Lady, please click here.
A photograph of Saint Jacinta and Saint Francisco Marto, with illustrations by Sister Maria da Conceição on the right.
Website: https://pastorinhos.com/casa-das-candeias
Location
Rua de São Pedro, 9
Apartado 6
2496-908 Fátima
Ourém – Portugal
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House of Candles
