The main entrances to the Sanctuary of Fatima, tunnels and stairs were closed at 10:30 pm due to the large number of pilgrims, a representative of the institution told Lusa.
“Access through tunnels and stairs from the north and south sides is closed,” said Carmo Rodea, explaining that access in the Santissima Trindade Basilica area remains unhindered.
According to him, the closure is due to the need to avoid excessive concentration of people in the same space.
Thousands of pilgrims attend the international pilgrimage celebrations, and the shrine indicates the presence of some 230,000 people.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin is leading the international commemorative May pilgrimage, which began this Friday at the Sanctuary of Fatima, 106 years after the events in Cova da Iria.
The theme of the pilgrimage is related to the theme proposed by Pope Francis for World Youth Day – “Mary got up and left in a hurry” – which takes place from 1 to 6 August in Lisbon.
The celebrations began at 21:30 with a rosary, followed by a procession of candles and a celebration of the Word on the altar of the enclosure.
On Saturday, the pilgrimage ends with mass at 10:00, also in the enclosure.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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