History
Between 16 May 1954 and 16 January 1955, there were nine apparitions of Mary to Carlos Alberto da Silva Delgado (1946-1980). A few days before 16 May 1954, the then 11-year-old Carlos saw a strange, luminous cloud on the roof of his parents' house. This is similar to the apparition in Pontmain, France, in 1871.
In the afternoon of 16 May 1954, Carlos and his classmates were studying for an exam at the teacher's house. This helpful woman also assisted the students at the weekend if they needed help with their studies. Carlos spoke about the cloud he had seen, but his fellow students and the teacher thought he was imagining things. Later that afternoon, Carlos went home. He heard the rustling of the branches of the trees. He looked up and saw three branches moving. His gaze also fell upon the cloud he had seen earlier. On this cloud stood Mary. He found her a beauty. Suddenly, Carlos became frightened and ran away. Mary told him not to be afraid and that She was the Mother of the Saviour. Thereupon, the boy calmed down, and he returned to the spot where Mary was standing. Our Lady said that he should apply himself to his studies and pray often. He heard that She would return to this place on the 16th of each month for the next 8 months.
Carlos tells of his vision and many are interested in it. Only a select few doubt his sincerity. The local authorities find his story highly peculiar. Carlos is questioned by the police and provides answers. He is then subjected to a psychiatric examination. The results of this are that the teenager proves to be mentally healthy.
On the 16th of every following month, Mary reappears and more and more interested people are coming. Our Lady asks Carlos to pray, to honour the 10 commandments, and to do good.
With each appearance, those present see unusual lights in the sky, including a moving sun.
The government and the church want all attention focused on the Fatima pilgrimage site, which is about 50 kilometres from Asseiceira. They have no need for an apparition site in Asseiceira. All collected evidence and completed forms are destroyed by the government. Manuel Gonçalves Cerejeira (1888-1977), Cardinal (1929-1977), Patriarch of Lisbon (1929-1971), and António de Oliveira Salazar (1889-1970), Portuguese Prime Minister (1932-1968) were friends and worked together against what was happening in Asseiceira. They also ensure that the media makes no mention of the apparitions in Asseiceira.
In the issue of 16 October 1954, the republican National Guard set up blockades on all roads to Asseiceira. This does not stop the pilgrims, as they come to the village across the fields.
During the night leading up to 16th December 1954, many lights were seen in the sky. On the morning of 16th December, the roads leading to the village were blocked, and police officers and soldiers ensured that no one went to the site of the apparitions. People were threatened and subsequently arrested if they went to the said location. Those present saw the sun move in an unusual way, signalling the arrival of Mary. Around 40,000 people flocked to the village, and the law enforcement officers found themselves unable to succeed in their task. The thousands of interested people proceeded to the site of the apparition. They prayed and behaved peacefully. The police officers and soldiers realised they could not act against the unimaginably large group of believers. They laid down their arms. Mary then appeared, accompanied by angels.
The last apparition of Our Lady was on 16th January 1955. Mary speaks to Carlos and tells him to pray the rosary, to honour the 10 commandments and to do good. Mary tells him he will father 2 children, namely a son and a daughter. Carlos also hears Mary tell him that he will die young, and this also happens to his son.
Cardinal Cerejeira prohibits gatherings at the site of the apparitions. Those who come there anyway will be excommunicated, meaning they will be cast out of the church community.
Carlos finishes school, starts working, and gets married in the autumn of 1968. The parish priest refuses to perform the church wedding as long as Carlos adheres to the apparitions. Carlos remains steadfast and does not give in to the priest's pressure. The couple has two children, but the church authorities do not allow the children to be baptised.
The words of Mary from 16 January 1955 are coming true. The family has two children; a son and a daughter. In 1980, Carlos and his son are involved in a car accident. Carlos dies on the way to the hospital and his son dies 6 months later. The parish priest refuses to conduct Carlos's funeral Mass. The coffin with Carlos is brought to the place of the apparitions. Thousands of people are present to pray for his soul's rest. On that day, a sun miracle occurs, similar to 16 December 1954. This proves that Carlos spoke with Our Lady of the Saviour.
Later, the ban on visiting the site of the apparitions will be lifted, and the threat of excommunication for visiting the site of the apparitions will also disappear. Praying and worshipping at the Marian site will then be permitted by the ecclesiastical authorities.
On 16 May 2019, 65 years after the day of the first appearance in 1954 of Our Lady to Carlos Alberto Delgado, a large statue of Mary was unveiled. This is taking place in a newly constructed square, where the apparitions occurred.
Pilgrimage site
The village of Asseiceira has around 1200 inhabitants, and in the centre of the village is the pilgrimage site. The site notably includes a chapel in a square, and this place of worship is dedicated to “Nossa Senhora do Redentor” (Our Lady of the Redeemer).
In the square in front of the church stands a large statue of Mary, which welcomes visitors.
Centrally located in the chapel is a large statue of Our Lady. There is also seating provided. Visitors can sit here and pray.
More images of Mary can be seen, such as depictions of Mary with a white veil and one with a blue cloak.
A large effigy depicts Mary with a long, white veil. Many photographs of deceased people are placed around her. The beautiful effigy stands on a carrier and is therefore a processional statue.
On another image of Our Lady, I see the crowned Mary with a blue mantle and ex-votos laid around her.
Behind the chapel, candles can be lit and devotional items are offered.
ACCESSIBILITY
The place Asseiceira belongs to the municipality of Rio Maior and is not far from the pilgrimage site of Fatima.
The “Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Asseiceira” is situated in a square in the centre of the village.
Address: Largo de Nossa Senhora, 2040-481 Asseiceira.
Up-to-date information from the Tourist Office: www.turismoriomaior.pt.
Experience
In the centre of the village of Asseiceira, I come to a square named after Our Lady.
At that spot stands the chapel and I see a large statue of Mary and below it a photo of the seer Carlos with the text referring to 65 years ago that the first apparition took place in 1954.
Next, I go into the chapel and see visitors praying. Against the wall, mementos are displayed, bringing my thoughts back to the time of the apparitions.
A little later I stand before the magnificent statue of Mary in a glass case, and the moment has come to pray.
Here are more beautiful depictions of Our Lady to admire.
In the chapel, I see a small picture lying down. On one side is a black-and-white image of Carlos kneeling in prayer. On the back is a text in Portuguese. By translating the words, I arrived at the following: “apparitions of Our Lady in Asseiceira – Rio Maior. When the teacher was administering the fourth-grade exam, she advised her pupils to ask Our Lady for help with their exams. Carlos Alberto, 11 years old, went to pray every day at a small statue of Mary, near the school, next to some laurel trees. Some time passed like this, until on May 16, 1954, Our Lady appeared in a laurel tree. During this strange and unexpected experience, Carlos became frightened and wanted to run away. A sweet and tender voice said to him: Do not be afraid, I am the Mother of the Redeemer. Then the Most Holy Virgin asked him to pray with great devotion, to ask for peace for the world and to ask everyone to fulfil the commandments of God's Law. The apparitions took place every 16th, until January 1955. He was born in 1942 and died in 1980. In this holy place, the rosary is prayed every day, and every 16th of the month there is a procession at 2:00 PM, followed by the rosary.”
Behind the chapel is the opportunity to light candles. Then I want to visit the little shop with devotional items, but unfortunately it is closed.
If I return to the chapel and take my seat, my thoughts drift to the times of and after the nine apparitions. How the clergy thwarted Carlos! With his intense faith in Mary, he managed to hold his ground. He deserves great respect, and to me, he is a saint.
Environment
Departing from the sanctuary of Fatima to travel to Asseiceira involves travelling 71 km to the south.
From Lisbon to Asseiceira means going 76 km north.
From the pilgrimage site of Peniche to that of Asseiceira is 48 km going east.
Travelling from Porto to Asseiceira is 258 km heading south.
Posted: 6 January 2025
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