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Portugal Green Travel challenges you to live Unique Experiences in an Undiscovered Country! Venture into fantastic locations, such as lost villages in the middle of the mountains, century-old waterfalls in the heart of nature or even a walk with a shepherd, always unveiling traditions almost lost in time.

This company offers tourism packages based on product differentiation and genuineness, working with special focus on low density territories, contributing to territorial sustainability and seasonality attenuation. The programs include an integrated offering that can cover accommodation, catering, transportation, entertainment and genuine experiences that enable contact with local culture.

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Epicure & Culture

Food, wine & culture for the ethical traveler

Eco-Tourism In Portugal: 13 Amazing Sustainable Experiences

By Nancy Michelle Cote. This guide to eco-friendly Portugal contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Looking to explore eco-tourism in Portugal ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Portugal is a beautiful country full of stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and friendly people.

It’s also becoming increasingly known for its commitment to eco-tourism, with a wide range of sustainable experiences available for tourists looking to explore the natural beauty of this amazing nation.

From kayaking through remote mountain valleys and exploring ancient forests to camping in secluded spots away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Portugal has something for everyone who wants to enjoy nature without damaging it.

Here is a comprehensive Portugal tourism guide sharing some of the most incredible sustainable experiences you can have while visiting!

Table of Contents

What Is Ecotourism?

According to UNWTO , ecotourism is an “all nature-based form of tourism in which the main motivation of the tourists is the observation and appreciation of nature as well as the traditional cultures prevailing in natural areas.”

In theory, ecotours are intended to be educational while being fun, encouraging people to learn more about nature and conservation through firsthand experiences.

It is a way for travelers to have an immersive experience in nature without negatively affecting the environment.

Examples of ecotourism, when done properly, may include bird-watching tours, visits to national parks and reserves, cultural trips focused on Indigenous customs of native peoples, and volunteering holidays such as planting trees or building trails.

The goal of eco-tourism is to minimize negative impacts on both the environment as well as local cultures and economies by promoting socially responsible behavior among tourists during their visit.

How Eco-Friendly Is Portugal?

Portugal is an increasingly eco-friendly country, with numerous sustainable initiatives and programs in place. It has adopted the European Union’s circular economy strategy and its Green Deal initiative , which is focused on zero carbon emissions by 2030.

The Portuguese Government has also invested in renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. As a result of these efforts, Portugal was recently named one of the world’s top 50 greenest countries by Yale University’s Environmental Performance Index (EPI) .

Additionally, Portugal is committed to protecting its environments through various nature conservation initiatives such as the Natura 2000 network . This network provides legal protection to important habitats including coastal wetlands, lagoons, and dunes.

All of these initiatives help to make Portugal an excellent destination for visitors looking to experience sustainable travel.

Best Ways To Explore Eco-Tourism In Portugal

1. explore the tapada de mafra nature reserve near mafra.

Tapada de Mafra is a stunning nature reserve located just a few minutes away from the town of Mafra on the west coast of Portugal.

It has recently been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to valuable biodiversity.

The reserve subsidizes research and preservation of the indigenous fauna and flora in the reserve and promotes environmental education in several private and public initiatives.

This ecological haven is perfect for those interested in eco-tourism in Portugal, offering a variety of experiences between the lush green trails and local wildlife.

Opt for an easy or moderate hike along the winding trails and try to spot deer, wild boar, foxes, and various birds living in their natural habitat.

There are also options for mountain biking, forest running, and even doing a canopy tour to see the reserve from above!

Since educating the population is one of the principal objectives of this project, various presentations on the forest, birds, and bees are also all part of the experience.

2. Visit the Iberian Wolf Recovery Center near Mafra

The Iberian Wolf Recovery Center , also located near Mafra, is an important stop on any eco-tour of Portugal.

Open to the public, visitors can learn about the conservation work being done to protect this endangered species and the vital role these wolves play in the ecosystem.

The 18 acres are a sanctuary for wolves that cannot live in the wild due to being victims of traps or illegal captivity, or coming from parks and zoos.

The main purpose of the center is to educate the population and aid in research initiatives. Guided tours of the grounds are offered where visitors can observe the wolves from afar — which is an important aspect of ethical wildlife tourism .

Additionally, the center offers wolves that have been orphaned or injured a safe environment to aid in their recovery and hopefully reintegrate them into the wild.

The center’s educational program is a great way to inform visitors about the importance of nature conservation and species preservation.

With interactive exhibits and educational presentations, visitors can gain an appreciation for the Iberian Wolf’s unique place in Portugal’s environment.

3. Join a yoga surf retreat in Ericeira

Ericeira is the first and only World Surf Reserve in Europe, recognized by the Save the Waves Coalition program that dedicates itself to preserving outstanding surf spots around the world.

It has also recently been certified as a Biosphere Destination that works to guarantee a balanced relationship between human activity, environmental protection, and preservation of historical and cultural heritage.

Ericeira’s 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) surf zone is home to seven world-class waves . The reserve strives to protect the micro-ecosystems of each surf spot since each has its own landscape and unique characteristics caused by the alterations in the sea floor and human activity.

Possibly the best way to enjoy the relaxed local surf culture is by partaking in a retreat with Surf Yoga Portugal , which hosts some of the best surf and yoga retreats in Portugal .

Through their program, you can expect macrobiotic food, surf lessons, and yoga classes — as well as soothing therapies like reiki and massage.

Don’t miss Ericeira if you want to experience the beauty of a World Surf Reserve while learning some new skills.

You can also check out some other top yoga and surf retreats in Ericeira here .

4. Hike the Caminho Português da Costa from Lisbon or Porto

Part of the network of Camino de Santiago routes, the epic Caminho Português da Costa is a must.

This 600-kilometer (373-mile) trek takes you from Lisbon’s center along the coastline to Porto and then Santiago de Compostela in Spain in 25 days. It’s a popular experience for solo travelers to Lisbon who want a solitary experience with nature as well as couples and groups.

You’ll pass by several protected areas — such as the Natural Park of the North Coast in Esposende and the Douro Estuary Natural Reserve — along with some of Portugal’s most stunning coastline.

You’ll also get the chance to see some incredible beaches and local wildlife along your journey. The highlight for many is the Mindelo Ornithological Reserve , which harbors 145 species of birds. It is part of the National Network of Protected Areas and boasts very rich biodiversity. 

Those wanting a shorter experience can start in Porto and arrive in Santiago de Compostela after about 12 days of walking.

Although not for all, this type of trip is an incredible opportunity for people looking to experience eco-tourism in Portugal. Just make sure to practice Leave No Trace principles along the way!

Click here for details on how to hike the trail from Lisbon .

Click here for details on how to hike the trail from Porto .

Only have room for a 3-day Porto itinerary ? Here are some other fun local things to do in the city.

5. Hike the stunning Penada-Geres National Park

Penada-Geres National Park is one of the most beautiful and unique natural areas in Europe.

Visitors looking for eco-tourism experiences in Portugal can explore a variety of outdoor activities, immerse themselves in local culture, and learn about the rich history of the region.

Make sure to visit some of the traditional villages in the national park, such as Castro Laboreiro and Lindoso , with their castle ruins and time-honored events.

Also don’t miss the Peneda Gerês Sanctuary , an impressive 18th-century monument with 20 chapels built into the surrounding craggy cliffs.

The natural park aims to protect the flora and fauna of the region as well as the landscape and natural resources in the area.

In terms of hiking, the park has trails suited for hikers of all abilities, from easy loop trails to more challenging multi-day expeditions.

Along the way, you can discover stunning waterfalls and wildlife, observe mountains and forests up close, and even have active adventures like mountain biking or climbing.

You view some of the best trails in Peneda-Geres National Park here.

If a relaxing escape is more your style, consider taking a dip in the natural thermal spas or simply spending time by one of the many lakes with a great book.

Camp grounds can be found around the park and visitors can enjoy some of the best camping in Portugal.

Whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled day or simply want to escape into nature and enjoy scenic views, Penada-Geres National Park has it all!

6. Dive in Madeira at the Garajau Nature Reserve

Garajau Nature Reserve on the island of Madeira is a paradise for eco-tourists in Portugal.

Established in 1986 to protect the seabed from desertification, this area is now home to some of the most diverse wildlife in the archipelago.

Whether you’re an experienced diver or just starting out, diving in Garajau is a treat.

The Garajau Nature Reserve is teeming with aquatic life, from colorful coral reefs to curious fish and even some larger marine animals like the giant manta ray and the giant devil ray.

When planning your trip, just make sure to choose a PADI dive center like Azul Diving Center Madeira to ensure they follow sustainable practices.

Not into diving? Kayaking and snorkeling are also great ways to explore the reserve without going too deep into the ocean’s depths.

Along the shoreline, there are plenty of sea caves and rock formations to explore, and you might even spot some dolphins or turtles along the way.

No matter how you choose to explore Garajau Nature Reserve, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.

7. Explore the Laurisilva on Madeira Island

The Laurisilva (Laurel Forest) of Madeira is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a remarkable ecological wonder, located within the Parque Natural da Madeira (Madeira Natural Park).

This lush and ancient forest, estimated to be around 20 million years old, contains an unparalleled wealth of biodiversity and plays a critical role in maintaining the hydrological balance on Madeira Island.

This means the forest is an important source of drinking water on the island which has historically been channeled to human settlements.

Research done here sheds light on the evolution and adaptation of fauna and flora based on environmental conditions, which change over time.

Featuring a unique network of rivers, streams, and waterfalls, this pristine environment is home to a variety of endemic species — like the Madeiran long-toed pigeon — and offers some unique experiences, including the opportunity to observe wild green macaws.

This captivating landscape also provides the perfect backdrop for numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, trail running, canyoning, coasteering, and climbing.

No matter the activity, visitors are sure to experience a truly unforgettable eco-friendly adventure.

8. Hike at the eco-friendly Sete Cidades in the Azores

Sete Cidades , located on the Azores archipelago in Portugal, is a stunning natural wonder and one of the best destinations for ecotourism off the coast of Portugal.

It is the world’s first archipelago certified as a Sustainable Tourism Destination, under the  EarthCheck Sustainable Destination program . The government is committed to promoting sustainable development on all the islands which will result in truly sustainable tourism by 2030.

Home to a variety of lagoons, craters, and a dormant volcano, this area is a protected landscape and is a Rede Natura 2000 Protected Vista.

Some of the most popular activities in this area include bird watching, hiking, and mountain biking.

For those who want to explore deeper into the nature reserve, there are plenty of trails ranging from 2 to 4 hours in length that offer breathtaking views of the blue and green lagoons and an opportunity to experience a unique and magical landscape.

Learn about some of the best trails in Sete Cidades here .

With its commitment to preserving its natural environment, Sete Cidades serves as an excellent destination for eco-tourism and sustainable tourism in Portugal.

9. Enjoy a Portugal farm experience at the Douro International Natural Park

Near the inland city of Castelo Branco, you can visit the Douro International Natural Park and its namesake river to explore Portugal’s natural wonders and have a glass (or four) of wine!

Whether it’s from the land or from a boat, travelers can get an up-close look at this picturesque landscape with its combination of forest, vineyards, olive trees, and almond trees.

Opt for an Arribes del Douro Cruise and enjoy an environmental-focused cruise down the Douro River while taking in stunning views of terraced vineyards, lush forests, and dramatic cliffs.

The landscape has been protected to preserve the natural habitat of indigenous plants and wildlife. It also harbors protected eagles and vultures, which you are almost sure to see while exploring the trails.

For an even more immersive experience, visitors can gain first-hand insight into Portuguese culture by participating in a Portugal farm experience in the area, like this one .

Many offer tours of the local vineyards and wineries, not to mention farm stays are a wonderful way to see the countryside.

10. Go kayaking or diving at Berlengas  Natural Reserve near Peniche

Berlengas Natural Reserve is a one-of-a-kind destination for Portugal ecotourism enthusiasts.

The reserve aims to conserve the habitat of marine life, seabird populations, and endemic plants in the area by developing damage control strategies to reduce the impact of human activity.

Residing off the coast of Peniche, this enchanting area boasts a stunning variety of fauna and flora, with its unique location giving visitors an unforgettable experience. If you’re lucky, you might even see a puffin!

Between May and October, visitors can take advantage of daily access to the island by boat .

With a maximum of 350 visitors allowed at any one time, Berlenga is the perfect place for those looking for a tranquil and secluded getaway from their everyday lives.

Whether you take walks on the island’s trails to visit its grottos and the Fort of the Berlengas, or simply enjoy its stunning scenery, there are plenty of opportunities to explore.

For the more daring, kayaking and diving are available as well, with a wealth of amazing biodiversity beneath the surface.

If you want to stay longer than an afternoon, you can even camp overnight or enjoy lunch at one of the island’s restaurants.

A visit to the Berlengas Natural Reserve is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

11. Go birdwatching at the Lagoas de Santo André and Sancha Natural Reserve in Alentejo

The Lagoas de Santo André and Sancha Natural Reserve is a stunningly beautiful destination for eco-tours in the Alentejo region of Portugal.

Occupying a 15-kilometer (9-mile) stretch of coast, this officially protected area contains two wetlands that are home to a wide variety of birds.

The region enjoys abundant natural resources, making it a popular destination for birdwatching as well as other activities such as hiking, canoeing, and windsurfing.

The long sandy beaches of Costa de Santo André and Fonte do Cortiço provide the perfect opportunity for relaxation or a leisurely stroll.

Whether you’re looking for a chance to observe nature in the wild, or just a peaceful place to spend the day, the Lagoas de Santo André and Sancha Natural Reserve has something for everyone.

12. See the Iberian lynx at Serra da Malcata Natural Reserve in Central Portugal

Serra da Malcata Natural Reserve in the Central Region of Portugal is a paradise for nature lovers and eco-tourists alike.

It was created in 1981 to protect the near-extinct Iberian lynx, with only an estimated 100 of them remaining in the wild.

In addition to saving this magnificent creature from extinction, the reserve also provides a safe habitat for other animals and preserves the Mediterranean flora found in this area.

Visitors to the nature reserve will have the opportunity to explore virtually untouched forest. There’s an interpretative trail that teaches visitors about the importance of environmental preservation, as well as hiking trails and organized mountain bike tours to some of the most interesting spots.

Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to observe the Iberian lynx, one of Portugal’s rarest species. It’s definitely an experience to remember!

13. Go dolphin watching in the Arrábida Natural Reserve in Setúbal

The Arrábida Natural Reserve is a stunning biogenetic reserve located in the district of Setúbal, Portugal. A biogenetic reserve is an area designated by the Council of Europe which protects a rare habitat or ecosystem and permits biological and genetic research.

It offers many unique experiences for those looking to explore its diverse marine flora and fauna.

Visitors can take a boat trip through the estuary of the Sado River to observe the three dozen Sado and Bottlenose Dolphins that live at the mouth of the river. It is one of the only three colonies in rivers on the European continent.

The distinctively calm waters in Arrábida also make it perfect for kayaking and diving.

The area is home to a high diversity of marine flora and fauna, making it an excellent spot for visitors looking to explore the wonders of nature.

Check out this incredible reserve on your next eco-tourism trip to Portugal!

Final Thoughts On Eco-Tourism In Portugal

With numerous examples of slow tourism in Portugal as well as initiatives and programs in place, travelers can explore this beautiful country with peace of mind knowing that their actions are helping preserve its natural beauty while benefiting local communities.

Whether you’re kayaking remote beaches on the Atlantic coast or hiking up Penada-Geres, there is something new and exciting around every corner when it comes to eco-tourism in Portugal!

What are your favorite ways to explore eco-tourism in Portugal?

About The Author

A beachcomber, an avid bookworm, and a teacher. Michelle is a Canadian travel blogger who writes about Portugal.

She fell in love with the charming Portuguese village of Ericeira when she was enticed to move there by her Portuguese husband and never looked back.

She now lives between Mallorca and Ericeira, with her family and Fluffy the hamster. 

Follow her adventures on  Ericeirafamilyadventures.com .

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Written by Patti Maghamfar with photos by Abi Maghamfar

Why Everyone Should Take a Long Walk with Portugal Green Walks Along the Camino de Santiago de Compostela

I have said on more than one occasion that the best way to get to know a country, its people and the culture, is to take a long walk across it. There is no other experience that will bring about the same up close and personal expression of the people and it’s country. A long walk teaches lessons in humanity. A long walk teaches patience. Here are a few thoughts on why we believe everyone should take a long walk; such as one of the hiking tours on the Camino de Santiago routes.

THE CAMINO FRANCIS

In 2015 we walked 350 miles on the Camino Francis. We started our walk in St. Jean Pied de Port, France and 35 days later we walked in to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. It was by far the most physically challenging experience I’ve taken on and there were days when I thought I’d never make it. It was also by far the most emotionally rewarding experience. Walking across Spain was incredible and the memories will stay with us for a lifetime. But, I remember thinking, “Okay, that was amazing, but it was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience!”

Patti on the Camino Francis

THE CAMINO PORTUGUESE

Fast forward four years and the opportunity arose for us to walk a portion of the Camino Portuguese. It was not an easy decision to take on another long walk but because the circumstances would be different this time, we decided to take the leap. Nearly four years to the day of our Camino Francis walk, we began our Camino Portuguese with a transport to the tiny village of Mosteiro, which is where we actually began to walk. Our plan was to walk 145 miles from Mosteiro to Santiago in 13 days.

Abi & Patti on the Camino Portuguese

TAKE THE BITTER WITH THE SWEET

When we walked the Camino Francis I was plagued with blisters on both feet and I needed to stop walking for a few days, to allow my feet to heal, so that we could continue. It was bittersweet. I hated the thought of not being able to walk the Meseta (approximately 100 miles), but at the same time had it not been for the blisters we would not have spent the time in Leon; a city we absolutely loved. Lesson learned. Take the bitter with the sweet.

I wasn’t able to walk the full Camino Francis, which made me all the more determined to walk every step of our 145-mile Camino Portuguese. Our days walking were peaceful and beautiful, even though we spent several days walking in torrential rain and fierce wind. We even endured a few moments of hail. Hail, in April, in Portugal. I would have never thought it possible.

Flooded trail on the Camino Portuguese

LESSONS FROM THE CAMINO

Because we had the experience of walking the Camino Francis, we felt prepared to take on the Camino Portuguese. After all, it would be half the number of miles and less than half the number of days. We learned a few things about ourselves and about long-distance walking while walking the Camino Francis. I like to believe we were successful in applying those lessons to our Camino Portuguese.

LESSON 1: DON’T WAIT

Life is short and we can only control the here and now with absolutely no control over what’s to come. We went back and forth about taking on the Camino Portuguese at the time we did. Our calendars were full and we had obligations to fulfill. We had a time frame of just shy of a month in which to make the trip across the pond to Portugal and take on the walk. We looked at each other and said, “We don’t have the time.” A couple of weeks later we looked at each other and said, “Let’s make the time.” While walking we received a message from home that a sweet friend of ours left this earth way too early. It was a powerful reminder. Don’t wait.

Church in the valley on the Camino Portuguese

LESSON 2: DON’T JUDGE

Again, life is short and who are we to judge anyone? It’s a valuable lesson we learned early on our Camino Francis. Everyone has a path, a journey to travel. If you ask 100 people why they are walking, you’ll get 100 different reasons. It doesn’t matter. What matters is that those people are out there doing it. Some of those people will have habits that will greatly annoy others. There will be pilgrims who feel the need to talk on their cell phone for miles at a time, or talk loudly and incessantly, or claim walking space as theirs alone, or toss their orange peels to the ground as they walk … you get the idea. What annoys the hell out of you (us) is another pilgrims’ Camino experience. Don’t judge. Find the beauty in the moment. Find a way to distance yourself and own your journey.

Roses, where you’d least expect to find them. Camino Portuguese

LESSON 3: CHOOSE WISELY

There are so many choices when taking on a long-distance walk. Everything from what shoes and socks to wear, to which backpack to take, to clothing choices and how much water to carry. Rain pants and jacket or poncho? Walking sticks? Yay or nay? Ask yourself if you’d be comfortable sleeping in a albergue dorm room with 50 strangers, or are you more suited to a private room and bath each night? Will you carry your backpack or will you have it taxied to each destination? Are you a do-it-yourself planner, or are you more inclined to have a tour operator such as Portugal Green Walks take care of the mapping and booking of accommodations? Do your homework, choose wisely. Seek out the wisdom of others that have gone before you, but in the end choose what will work best for you.

Abi resting on the Camino Francis

TAKE A LONG WALK

There is no other experience that will bring about the same up close and personal expression of the people and it’s country than to take a long walk. It’s a cliche, but as you walk your journey take the time to stop and smell the roses along the way. There is so much that we can learn by just slowing down and embracing the moment. So, go take a long walk. Don’t wait!

Abi and Patti have been walking through life together for 42 years. They have a home base in the United States and they spend several months of each year in Porto, Portugal. To date they have traveled to 4 continents, 19 countries and 46 of the 50 United States. You can read more about their travels, how they are redefining retirement, and both of their Camino walks at oneroadatatime.com

Like this article? Read travel tips for Washington, DC from Patti and Abi Maghamfar.

NOTE: One Road at a Time were media guests of Portugal Green Walks. This had no impact on their opinion and writing of this article.

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Electric Cars perfect to feel Cape Verde’s breeze 🍃

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Get to know Lisbon in a unique way!

Each excursion takes up to 6 cars and will always be accompanied by one or two tour guides. This is the perfect format if you’re unsure about driving in Lisbon.

The Spinach will keep on being your main tour guide with its funny commentary!

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Each excursion takes up to 6 cars and will always be accompanied by a tour guides.

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HAPPY CLIENTS, HAPPY LIFE

Very unique experience in the spinach car, self guided tour on set routes around Lisbon. The carts themselves are very easy to drive and lots of fun, intuitive system for directions and lots of interesting information. Very good that you can stop wherever you like to explore, get food or drinks or whatever you want to do. Staff are very helpful if you need it.

Amazing way to see and experience Lisbon. I would highly recommend doing this and will defo do it again. David was great in setting us up and explaining what to do. Can’t wait to visit and use go car again.

This was so much fun! We laughed so hard we cried! You go on a talking guided gps tour. It will talk to you and even play music depending where you are at. We did 2 hours so we were able to do 2 of the tours. You can stop whenever and wherever you want. We really enjoyed zipping around so only stopped once. Can get pretty bumpy on the cobblestone roads. Bea got us started and helped us choose our tour. Highly recommend!

Last week my friend and I did the Spinach experience and we loved it! Ricardo helped us very well, so we could hit the road easily. Thank you so much! Will definitely tell others about this great experience.

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Plus, we’ll customize the experience with tailor-made audio content and quizzes just for you 😉

To Know More Click…👇

Our Lady of Fatima statue to make stop at Queen of Heaven Church in Green

Statue a reminder of 1917 miraculous event in portugal.

• The miracle at Fatima has drawn millions of pilgrims from around the world
• The statue was crafted in 1947 according to the specifications of Sister Lucia, one of the three children who experienced Mary's visitations
• The Vatican officially accepted the children's account in 1930

GREEN − The International Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima is a reminder of the miraculous appearances by the Virgin Mary as reported by Lucia dos Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto in Fatima, Portugal, between May 13, 1917, and Oct. 13, 1917.

Since then, millions of Christians have visited Fatima, with many seeking miracles of their own.

On July 9, the statue will be on display from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church at 1800 Steese Road. It is one of 14 stops from July 7-20 in the Cleveland Diocese.

The visit will be hosted by Our Mother's Hands, a Marian ministry with a chapter in Akron.

Rosemary Reed is a member of Our Mother's Hands at St. Sebastian's.

"Sister Lucia planned on leaving the convent and leaving her order so that she could travel the world and spread the message," Reed said. "She later said that she felt that Our Lady sent John Hafford to her as a gift from heaven to keep her in the convent, but also to assure her that the message of Fatima would be spread. And that was when they established Our Lady's Blue Army, and that is now under the world Apostolate of Fatima. They are the only organization that is Vatican-approved to deliver the message of Fatima."

The statue made its North American debut in Canada in 1947 and was brought to the United States on Dec. 8, 1947, which is the Immaculate Conception holy day in the Catholic church, Reed noted.

"This statue in particular, has been to over 100 countries," she said.

Outdoor worship space 'Walk With the Saints' at Queen of Heaven Church

Reed said the visit has been five years in the making.

"I came across the international group and thought, well, it would be nice to bring her here," she said. "I'd just been in contact with them off and on because, of course, along came COVID. In October of last year, they messaged and asked if we would be able to plan the two-week visit. We wanted to make sure we covered all eight counties of the diocese, so we have 14 sites."

'The summit of our faith is Jesus'

Reed wants to make it clear that Catholics do not worship statues, or Mary.

"We do not worship Mary," she said. "As Catholics, we know the summit of our faith is Jesus. We, of course, honor her as the 'Mother of God.' A statue is just a physical reminder of a person, no different than a photograph. It is something to help you focus. This statue in particular has traveled the world because it was carved at the direction of a very holy woman who was a servant of God."

Mary, she added, is an example of how to get into heaven.

"I think there's a certain part of us that makes it where you can kind of write off your own sinfulness because you can say, well, 'I'm a man he's God; it's too hard to be like that,'" she said. "I think that when you look upon Mary, she was flesh and blood and yet she set this example for all of us. It's much more relatable. We honor her because because she allowed herself to be emptied out to become exactly what what was needed for God's plan."

Reed said there are reports of people who converted to Christianity or returned to the church after seeing the statue.

"There are people who come in and ask for a miracle, and I know that it would be wonderful if I could say, you 'Oh, yeah, we've had all these miracles,'" she said. "Our goal is always to bring people to Jesus, through Mary. It's in our mission statement. The focus isn't to come here so you can venerate Mary. The focus is to come here so you can find your way to Jesus. We have been so honored to be able to to promote something on such a grand scale."

Marian scholarship

Scholar and researcher Karen E. Park, co-editor of "American Patroness: Marian Shrines and the Making of US Catholicism," was a keynote speaker at this year's Marian Forum hosted by the University of Dayton's International Marian Research Institute.

"It's kind of surprising to people that I did not come to visit as my field of interest primarily from any kind of particular or personal devotion to Mary," said Park, a professor of theology and religions studies at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin. "Looking back on my Catholic childhood in the '70s and '80s, Mary devotion and devotionalism wasn't emphasized in my church or Catholic school the way it might have been for a previous generation. In fact, I didn't think about Mary very much except on Christmas. Until I started studying the history of Christianity in graduate school, it became clear to me that Mary is not just a peripheral part of the Christian tradition but she is central to it."

EWTN founder remembered 'Nothing would stop her.' St. Raphael Center honors Mother Angelica with monument

Park said Christians have long been fascinated by Mary's story.

"But all that we know or believe about her own birth or her childhood, including the names of her parents come from apocryphal sources and traditions, "she said. "What's amazing to me is that these sources and these traditions go back to the first and second centuries in some cases which demonstrates that from the very beginning, Christians were profoundly interested in Mary, so devotion to Mary is not as as sometimes assumed a medieval embellishment or a 19th century fixation, but it is integral all the way back to the beginning."

The U.S. has 13 Marian shrines, including Sorrowful Mother Shrine in Bellville, Ohio.

"I believe it's important to think about Mary if you want to understand Christianity, particularly lived Christianity," Park said. "Marian devotion often gets glossed over or treated as something fringe or somehow outside of mainstream of Christian belief and practice, and in general the sense that studying Mary is going to automatically involve some kind of fringe element. It challenges us not to see Marian devotion or spatial and spiritual encounters with her as weird or strange. But people have always brought their ordinary lives and their ordinary concerns to Mary and to Marian shrines."

The children never wavered on their account. The Vatican accepted their testimony as valid in 1930. The Marto siblings died in 1919 and 1920. They were canonized by Pope Francis in 2017, the youngest people ever to be made saints without being martyred. dos Santos, who became a Carmelite nun, died in 2005 at the age of 97.

For a detailed schedule of the Queen of Heaven exhibit call 330-896-2345 or visit https://queenofheavenparish.org

Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or  [email protected]

On Twitter : @cgoshayREP

Statue to be hosted locally

Schedule for International Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima at churches in the Diocese of Cleveland:

July 7 – Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Cleveland, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

July 8 − St. Joseph Parish, Avon Lake, 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

July 9 − Queen of Heaven Parish, Green, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

July 10 − St. Ambrose Parish, Brunswick, all day

July 11 − Regina Health Center, Richfield, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

July 12 − St. Elizabeth of Hungary Shrine, Cleveland, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

July 13 − St. Jerome Parish, Cleveland, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

July 14 − 15St. Sebastian Parish, Akron, 8:30 a.m. July 14 to 10:30 a.m. July 15

July 15 − St. Edward Parish, Ashland, noon to 7 p.m.

July 16 − St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, Wooster, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

July 18 − Immaculate Conception Parish, Madison, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

July 19 − Sts. Edward and Lucy Parish, Parkman Township, 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

July 20 − Holy Family Parish, Parma, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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