Despite what might be assumed from his name, Saint Antony was born and grew up in Lisbon. Today the birthsite of this religious scholar, friend of Saint Francis of Assisi, is a place of veneration for the devoted. Traditionally, the invocation of his name is considered the best means of locating lost objects.

In this city on the banks of the Tajo River and less than forty miles from the Portuguese capital, believers venerate the bleeding host. Despite almost eight hundred years since the desecration of the Holy Form, fresh blood flows from the wound, attracting thousands of devotees from around the world.

Six times, from the May 13 to October 13, 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared to three novices belonging to the diocese of Leiria. A basilica was constructed in 1928, and millions of pilgrims have visited the site, one of the most popular for Catholics from around the world. The atmosphere of intense spirituality and the importance of Fatima have been attested to by the visits of two Popes: Paul VI and John Paul II.

In the Santa Clara monastery of this beautiful city, site of the oldest university in Portugal, is to be found the body of Saint Isabel, who did much for the poor during her long life. Born in the Spanish region of Aragon, she became queen of Portugal with her marriage to King Dionisio in 1288. Sister Lucia, the only one of the three novices of Fatima still alive, lives in a monastery of more recent epoch on the other side of the Modego River.

Outside the most ancient archiepiscopal headquarters of the country, this impressive baroque sanctuary was erected. As one ascends the stairs that separate the sanctuary from the temple, multiple groups of sculptures depicting the Stations of the Cross, the theological virtues, and other aspects of the Catholic faith, provide visitors a physical representation of the history of the Catholic Church in itself. Thousands of pilgrims congregate here to celebrate the Pentecost.