My wife and I visited the grounds and took part in the 4pm Mass. It's sad to see the place in need of so much repair. I hope those repairs are done, timely. This place is so beautiful and deserving. It is a must see...
The main Basilica is constructed as a dome with glass covering that has the continents of the world on it with blue for the oceans. You can walk to the top of the main Dome Chapel as it is called (85 stairs) for a panoramic view of the park-like grounds. There is a heart shaped Rosary Pool with lights forming a rosary around it that makes for a beautiful sight at night. Over 100 life size marble statues of saints crisis cross the grounds as avenues of saints with flowers and well manicured shrubs along the walkways. There is a beautiful reflecting pond with ducks swimming and benches to sit and relax in. There is a replica of the original outdoor chapel of Fatima in Portugal where the apparitions occurred. There are large picnic grounds available for family picnics open to the public as well as a large Pilgrim Center with a cafeteria and Gift Shop that is open daily year round. People of all faiths are welcome to enjoy the grounds and picnic areas. There are 2 smaller chapels adjacent to the main Basilica and are available for private masses for large groups. There are daily masses and confessions available. The Christmas Season is a special time at the Shrine when it's grounds are decorated with thousands of lights, Life size Christmas light statues, and many Christmas displays indoors and out, from Thanksgiving weekend to Jan. 6th. It is called their Festival of Lights and is a local tourist attraction, free to the public. The Festival of Lights ends with a large Basket Raffle and Dinner Benefit on the Saturday after Jan. 6th. The Basket Raffle is open to the public on Friday Jan. 9, 2015 and Saturday Jan. 10, 2015. Proceeds benefit the Shrine Renovation Fund. There are many ethnic Feast Days of saints celebrated such as Italian, Polish, Native American, Vietnamese, to name a few. There is a special Palm Sunday Brunch every year, aCorvette Show the Sunday in August of the Lewiston Art Festival, a Bake Off contest in December to coincide with the Feast of St. Nicholas, and several Special Healing Masses throughout the year. The Shrine is open year round to all those who enjoy a peaceful, parklike setting with a spiritual theme. I live in the area and visit the Shrine often. I have attended many events there and have done volunteer work at times. It is a very beautiful, peaceful place to visit.
A place to visit. The grounds are welcoming and it's history interesting. Very peaceful inside. Take a moment to sit and absorb it's beauty and power.
If you are visiting Niagara falls, then it is worth visiting this place. This is a catholic shrine and is well maintained and green all around with beautiful trees, a nice pond, a few fountains, and flowers. The shrine itself is shaped like a globe with the virgin Mary standing on top of it. Most saints have their statues here. It has many places where you can sit on the benches and just admire the place. If you are looking for some calm and quiet, then you can can sit on one of the stone benches and have some quiet time.
It is so beautiful, quiet, I just love it there many things to see and learn. Read a book, the reflection pond is the best ever and the rosary is around the pond. You can go to the top and see forever.
Nice little break from the hustle of the city and shopping. Was very peaceful. Lots of grounds to walk around
My first visit to the Basilica was during the Christmas season. My suggestion is to visit the small Village of Lewiston for dinner and then take a ride to this quietly spiritual shrine. The Christmas lights add to the visual beauty of the holiday. From the top of the shrine, you can view the grounds in all their splendor. The small chapels within the Basilica add an intimacy to your prayers and devotions. You can light a candle and worship with both community and private reflection -- even as others file through in respectful and peaceful reverence for the beauty of the Basilica. A communal area building has a gift shop and a cafeteria. Located at 1023 Swann Rd, Youngstown, NY 14174 · (716) 754-7489. Healing Masses are held on the First Sunday of every month from May through November. The Masses start at 6:30 pm. Festival of Lights November 22, 2014 - January 6, 2015; Lights on 5 pm - 9 pm Every Night! New Cafeteria Hours (Outside of the Festival of Lights period) Friday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Sat/Sun 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. There is free parking. Fatima Hall is an auditorium available for groups to hold conferences during their pilgrimages. the Hall seats 200 comfortably and is equipped with a PA system and audiovisual equipment for showing prepared materials. It is handicapped accessible. For more information, you can visit the website: http://fatimashrine.com/
I had never heard of this place before and went on the recommendation of a stranger! I'm glad I went. Very interesting place. The shrine is a very open and inviting place. Make sure you check out the mural in the back chapel as well as visiting the statue on top of the building. There is also a large religious bookstore on the grounds.
funny family story about a turtle we found here. fast forward 35 years, this place is mindbogging. must see kind of place. epic!!
This shrine is breathtaking from atop the basilica building. Looking down over the grounds you can see the statues form a rosary. You really feel like you can touch heaven. The inside of the Basilica is beautiful, especially the small side chapels. Take the time to light a candle for a special attention. There is also a large store on the grounds with everything religious you are looking for, and everything has been blessed. This is definitely worth the trip.