The archbishop of Luanda, Filomeno Diaz, presides this Sunday morning at the closing ceremonies of the pilgrimage of migrants and refugees, which has been taking place since Saturday under the motto “Free choice, migrate or stay”.
Remembering on Saturday night the Pope’s call to young people participating in World Youth Day in Lisbon to be bearers of the message of Jesus, a sermon is expected to focus more on the challenges faced by migrants, not only in Portugal, but globally.
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.”
This pilgrimage, which is considered one of the largest of the year in Cova da Iria, traditionally attracts many Portuguese expats who are in the country on holiday, as well as a growing number of immigrants living in Portugal.
This Sunday, and after the night vigil in Capeligne, starting at 9:00 a.m., a rosary will be read, followed by mass, blessing of the sick, consecration and farewell procession.
In fulfillment of a tradition started 83 years ago by a group of young people from Catholic Agrarian Youth from 17 parishes of the then diocese of Leiria, this Sunday will also see the traditional offering of wheat to the Sanctuary of Fatima.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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