About 15 years ago I went to Portugal on a vacation with some friends. The hotel clerk where we were staying talked us into taking a bus tour. One of the stops was Fatima.
While I was walking the around the grounds I keep having an urge to buy a rosary. I found a little gift shop and bought a little rose scented rosary.
That evening we went out for dinner and met a wonderful retired couple from the Chicago area. They politely asked what we had done that day.
I couldn't help myself and blurted, "we went to Fatima"! They said that they were going tomorrow. I asked if they could tell me something about it, because, quite frankly, I had never heard of it.
They asked if I was Catholic, and I said yes, but I hadn't practiced my faith since I was confirmed. They smiled, and to me about the apparitions... I was completely ignorant of this miraculous event!
After returning to the States, I started going to daily Mass and was taught the rosary by a friend at work.
That trip totally changed my life. It was the beginning of an incredible journey.... my conversion to the Roman Catholic faith.
What a wonderful story. Praise to Jesus Christ, King of Endless Glory!
Thanks for sharing so personally.