Leticia Cardoso Queiroz
Our Lady of Fátima has been a guiding figure to senior Leticia Cardoso Queiroz since her childhood in the outskirts of São Paulo, Brazil. In her local parish, a different family was selected each week to pray the rosary, alongside the visiting photo of Our Lady. Later, amidst the rigorous process of applying for a scholarship to attend private school, she felt the spirit and reassurance of her steadfast protector once again, walking with her in every phase of life.
“From then on, I felt Our Lady’s presence at every step. Years later, after many challenges, opportunities, and unexpected graces, I found myself at the University of Notre Dame—a place that has shaped my mind, my heart, and my faith. And when I finally visited the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima in Portugal, thanks to Notre Dame, I realized that the path from that little girl praying in the dark to the woman I am now was woven quietly and faithfully, one small miracle at a time.
“My journey reminds me that God often arrives the way Advent teaches us to wait—quietly, gently, and in the smallest moments. I’ve learned that God’s guidance doesn’t usually come with noise or grandeur. Grace comes like a soft light in the dark, steady enough to take the next step.”
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Very Beautiful! Your story is an inspiration and a reminder to wait patiently for God’s grace.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story dear one. Keep spreading your magnificent faith!
Amazing story, Leticia! You are a model for so many of us to follow.I wish you all the best in your studies, and even more all the goodness you can spread into the world upon your graduation.
I did know a man who was at Fatima the day of the miracle. To hear his story as a first hand witness was powerful and riveting. He passed away decades ago. May your life continue to be guided by Our Lady of Fatima.
Leti, you are too special! Thank you, Our Lady of Fátima, for guiding her to campus and for the most beautiful friend.
Very moving! God knows what we need better than we know ourselves! Beautiful story.
Oh my so thankful to hear this storand wisdom touch my heart tonight.
Nossa! Que história linda, maravilhosa, Letícia. E vc tbm é linda! Parabéns pelas suas conquistas e pela sua fé e coração enorme! Que bom e que orgulho ter uma paulistana com um coração e uma formação tão significativa pra tbm dar bons exemplos de brasileiros e poder passar histórias lindas como a sua. Somos de São Paulo e moramos no Texas. Já estamos em US há quase 20 anos. Nosso filho mais velho se formou na ND em 2022. Ele fez amigos pra vida toda na universidade. Vai se casar em maio e dois serão padrinhos dele, Temos muito orgulho de poder ter dado a educação católica pra eles desde o primário, e ficamos orgulhosos e felizes por vc tbm ter tido esta oportunidade que não é para qquer um!!! Uma universidade muito seletiva e caríssima. Difissilima de entrar, de ser aceito e no Brasil as pessoas não tem muita noção de tudo isto como é. Vc é uma vencedora em todos os sentidos. E o mais importante é na sua fé. Um Feliz Natal, parabéns pela graduação que está próxima, muito sucesso na sua carreira e na sua vida. Muito orgulho de ter visto vc neste vídeo. Linda! Abraços,
The Bible says God knew us while still being formed in our mother’s womb. Your journey to Notre Dame was pre-ordained and your faith was the key to open the doors.
I apologize to the alumni community here that I have written in Portuguese to Leticia.
I just wanted to say the way we communicate there how much I am proud of her and how much we can feel her deep faith. My son is an alumni class’22. What a gift having this beautiful girl in this advent season sharing her history with us! Thank you, Leticia.
Patience is a virtue and so hard to wait but God intervenes and makes it all worth while. Thank you for your great story
“Grace comes like a soft light in the dark.” Beautifully spoken. Inspiring and Faith-filled journey, Thank you.
This is a beautiful story indeed. Faithful devotion to Our Lady of Fatima. Active & continuous faith in Mary.
No waivering. Most interesting that she led you to her university: Notre Dame. She was looking after you
indeed. Glad you finally got to Fatima. I have recently developed a devotion to Our Lady of Fatima & recite
the rosary daily in a deep way. I deeply reflect on the various mysteries. I watch that my praying the rosary does
not fall into auto-piloting recitation of Hail Mary & Our Father & Glory Be prayers. I am fully conscious when
I say the rote prayers & go very slowly & savor what I am praying. Thank you for sharing your story. May your
devotion to Mary continue for your entire life. Much Aloha from Hawaii.
Beautiful and inspiring story, a wonderful reminder to trust his timing and his plan. Thank you for sharing.
What a testimony to your faith in Our Lady! I agree with your belief that She works quietly, often behind the scene, to pour grace into our lives and those around us. Thank you for sharing your beautiful journey.
God comes first awesome story
Faith
Thank you for your beautiful, inspirational story. Your description of how grace comes softly especially resonated with me. God bless you and Merry Christmas.
Beautiful story! 🩵
Wow! What a great profession of faith she makes. The quiet belief that undergirds her life is a wonderful example to all of us
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story of faith. May you be an inspiration to the young people that you encounter on your journey.
Bom dia! Your testimony brought tears to my old eyes. My prayer this morning is that you continue to share your story throughout your life, wherever you go. Feliz Natal, e um próspero Ano Novo!
Thank for sharing your beautiful story of faith and love for our Lady of Fatima. God bless you!
Thank and bless you.
Your beautiful faith will be an inspiration to everyone who walks your path!
Wow.Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. You’re an inspiration to me and so many.
Wow wow wow. What a beautiful journey. May the Holy Spirit be with you always❗️ND’72
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story! It was no coincidence that you ended up at Our Lady’s University-all the best to you in your future endeavors, and know that Our Lady is always with you. God Bless and Go Irish!
Todo Bene, Leticia,
You are beautiful and abundant in God’s graces. Your devotion to Mary ,
Our Lady of Fatima is very inspiring.
My trip to Rio De Janiero with my husband Frank in Feb.1979 was to celebrate our daughter, Caroline’s 17; birthday.
She was living in Sao Manuel her 3 rd. Year of high school, Her Brazilian
Family met us in Ipanema for a week. It was fascinating in every way, but especially the kind and warm people of Brazil!
Always share your faith with others as you just did so beautifully
Obrigado, Marilyn Woidat
Caroline and her siblings graduated from ND in 1984’,85’, 87’, & 89’!
Congratulations on your journey, Leticia! Thank you for sharing your story and touching our hearts. Have a great holiday season.
What a beautiful story, Leticia. Thank you for inspiring me to pray, pray, pray. Surely God and Our Lady heard your prayers. May God bless you and your beautiful family.
So proud of you Leticia!
What a beautiful story of faith and perseverance.
With determination and faith, Letícia will go far!
Beautiful, thank you for sharing. You will inspire many people during your lifetime, thank you! Peace and Health
Thank you Leticia for your beautiful witness. You are a light in this world. God bless you!
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story.
Todo bene, Letitia,
Your beautiful witness to your experience in São Paulo during your formative years and ending in your student life at Notre Dame is very inspiring, as well as your devotion to Our Lady of Fatima.
My husband and I went to Rio De Janeiro in February of 1979 to meet our daughter & her sponsors to celebrate her 17 th birthday, a few weeks before Carnival. She was studying abroad in San Manuel for one year.
We had a wonderful time in Impanema with them. While back home in Chicago the snow had reached highest levels ever known.
Best wishes inyour studies at Notre Dame.
Obrigado,
Marilyn Woidat
P.S. her siblings are also graduates of Notre Dame, in 1985’, 85’, 87’, & 89’.
Thanks to each and all for sharing your beautiful stories.
ND Grad, 1954
Hi Letícia, today is my happy birthday (12/06/2025)
Congratulations for your inspired testimony. I have been for 3 of the best years of my life as Guest professor at Department of Physics of Notre Dame. My favorite place of campus (besides the lab.) was the Grotto.
Godbless you and your family
Davi
Thank for sharing your faith journey! Truly inspirational!
God Bless you….Go IRISH!!!!