Thousands of Catholics are expected on Sunday in Fatima to participate in a pilgrimage of migrants and refugees chaired by the Archbishop of Luanda, Filomeno Dias Vieira, whose theme is “Free to choose, migrate or stay.”
This pilgrimage is part of the 51st Migration Week promoted by Obra Católica Portuguesa para as Migrações, an organization of the Episcopal Commission for Social Pastoral and Human Mobility (CEPSMH).
In a message this week, the Episcopal Commission emphasizes that migration is an “inevitable phenomenon” that can “serve as a tool for greater social justice.”
Considered one of the largest of the year in Cova da Iria, the Saturday and Sunday pilgrimage traditionally attracts many Portuguese expats who are in the country on holiday, as well as a growing number of immigrants living in Portugal.
The pilgrimage follows the usual program of the rosary in the Little Chapel of Apparitions from 9:30 pm, followed by a candlelight procession and liturgy of the Word on the altar of the enclosure to commemorate the first day.
On Sunday and after the night of the vigil, the rosary will be said again at Capelinha starting at 9:00 am, followed by mass, blessing of the sick, consecration and farewell procession.
In fulfillment of the tradition started 83 years ago by a group of young people from the Catholic Agrarian Youth from 17 parishes of the then diocese of Leiria, the traditional offering of wheat to the Sanctuary of Fatima will take place on Sunday.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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