ALCALÁ DE HENARES, Spain — Dr. Branca Pereira Acevedo, Sister Lucia dos Santos’ longtime physician, said caring for the Fátima visionary over 15 years at a Carmelite convent in Coimbra, Portugal, led to her own religious renewal.
Pereira spoke on Nov. 29 during the presentation of the short film The Heart of Sister Lucia, marking the 100th anniversary of the Pontevedra apparitions.
Lucia, the last surviving Fátima seer, moved to Spain in 1925 before returning to Portugal and taking Carmelite vows in 1949. Pereira described the nun as humble, obedient, and focused on her mission to promote devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pereira said witnessing Lucia’s faith, perseverance through suffering, and calm acceptance of challenges inspired her personal reconnection with the Church.
The film, premiering Dec. 10 on HM Television’s YouTube channel, highlights Sister Lucia’s spiritual life, devotion, and influence on successive popes.