A large pilgrimage to Cova da Iria is underway, noted the Santuário de Fátima in a statement, highlighting that this year’s pilgrimage coincides with the Holy Year and extends over two days.
Motorcyclists are actively participating in the celebrations, assisting with welcoming pilgrims, transporting the andor, supporting communion distribution, reciting the rosary, and proclaiming readings, the statement adds.
In addition to the Sunday mass at 11:00 a.m., led by Rui Valério at the Santuário’s Prayer Hall, the program has been expanded to include Saturday, inviting motorcyclists to experience the entire weekend in Fátima.
The Santuário de Fátima announces the inclusion of activities aimed at deepening the relationship between Christian faith and road safety as a novelty in the program.
On Saturday, April 20, a colloquium entitled “Road Safety within the Horizons of Faith” will take place at the Pastoral Center of Paulo VI, with free participation.
Scheduled talks include “I’ve Never Seen So Many People Together nor So Many Cars (13-08-1917): A Brief History of the Blessing of Vehicles in Fátima,” by Luís Miguel Ferraz, researcher at the Santuário’s Department of Studies, and “Guided by Faith: A Christian Ethic on the Road,” by Father Ricardo Figueiredo, Director of the Communications Department for the Patriarchate of Lisbon.
An additional colloquium, “How Can the Church Promote Road Safety? Specific Issues and Practical Challenges,” by Pedro Clemente, President of the National Road Safety Authority, aims to underscore the importance of a concerted effort by various sectors of society to promote attitudes and behaviors that ensure the safety and well-being of every road user.
In 2024, over 180,000 motorcyclists participated in the Helmet Blessing Pilgrimage, according to the Santuário de Fátima.
