In Portugal, in traditional catholic households it's common when facing dramatic situations (disease, trouble in a birth of a child, even scholar examinations) to make a promise, most of them to "Nª Srª de Fátima". And those promises generally include walking to Fatima on foot (sometimes hundreds of kilometers) or crossing the sanctuary kneeling. To soften those pilgrims suffering, a long walkway was built in marble, and there is always someone painfully sliding on it.

Your shots are really good, but I find it heartbreaking to look at. nynkeb · 2012-05-16: 05:25

Je suis toujours aussi mortifiée de voir cela, mais chacun trouve réconfort et espoir en ce qu'il peut ou veut croire. josy63 · 2012-05-16: 06:40

J'aime le N.B. partiel . nicephore34 · 2012-05-16: 07:43

I like very much your treatment of the photos in both sets, tho' as others have mentioned, disagree with the premise. CHOSSID · 2012-05-16: 08:51

these shot is really good,, took #2 to my fav,you capture it well!! InaLina · 2012-05-16: 09:23

So strong believes .......You captured them very well. I like nr 3. Lots of pain there EvaLizette · 2012-05-16: 09:32

Like candles, some of these people seem to illuminate with hope...and some people's light arent so bright, but they still maintainn the dignity that encompasses hope....lovely photos! KatysPassionata · 2012-05-16: 12:24

Oof! Nice shots though! Lsample · 2012-05-16: 13:48

I don't find it heartbreaking. I find it fascinating and I believe in the power of belief. I don't think it matters so much what a person believes in, but that they believe. liveandletlive · 2012-05-16: 21:40

Fantástico trabalho, gosto como realçou as pessoas que estão no caminho da penitência. Unchained · 2012-05-17: 04:51

powerful captures ... nataliemanco · 2012-05-17: 07:04