Sanctuary of Our Lady of Asseiceira

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Santarém > Rio Maior > Asseiceira > Santuário

Location

Asseiceira, municipality of Rio Maior, district of Santarém

Origin of the Apparitions

On May 16, 1954, an 11-year-old boy, Carlos Alberto da Silva Delgado, claimed to have seen Our Lady near a laurel tree, after a secret prayer made for his success in a school exam.

Apparitions

For eight months, on the 16th of each month, the apparition recurred and began to be witnessed by thousands of people from all over the country. Accounts include visual phenomena such as lights in the sky, changes in the sun, and medically unexplained cures.

Messages

Our Lady's appeal focused on the daily recitation of the Rosary, the practice of the 10 Commandments, and a simple life dedicated to good deeds.

Official Recognition

The apparitions were not recognized by the Catholic Church but continue to be deeply respected by the community and many faithful.

Place of Worship

The original site of the apparitions is preserved inside the current chapel, built in the 90s with modern architecture. The atmosphere of simplicity and devotion is maintained.

Chapel

Combines the old core with a more recent structure made of concrete, glass, and iron, respecting tradition and functionality. Inside, there is the image of Our Lady of the Apparition.

Regular Celebrations

- Rosary: Sundays and holy days at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM / Weekdays at 5:30 PM

- Procession and Rosary: Every 16th of the month at 2:00 PM

- Place always visited by pilgrims, especially on the 16th of each month

Atmosphere

A quiet place, easy to access, clean, and with parking. Many visitors describe it as a place of deep peace, compared by some to a “small Fátima”.

Opening Hours

Every day from 07:00 AM to 08:00 PM

Address

Largo de Nossa Senhora, 2040-481 Asseiceira

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt