Thousands of foot pilgrims are already heading to Fatima, where on the 12th and 13th Barcelona Archbishop Juan José Omella will preside over the ceremony of the first anniversary pilgrimage of 2024 to Cova da Iria.
This is the first time that Omella has presided over the international anniversary pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Fatima, and the Bishop of Leiria-Fatima, José Ornelas, in statements to the Fatima Missionaria, justified the invitation of the Spanish cardinal, saying that “Fatima is not just Portugal.”
“It has an international dimension, and it is good that the sanctuary also feels this internationality, not only in the faces of the people who arrive, but also in the languages that are heard and in the sensitivity of those who speak” the faithful, he added, not forgetting that it is from Spain Some of the largest groups of foreign pilgrims arrive each year.
To support pilgrims, who are expected in large numbers given the weather forecast for the next few days, the Walking Pilgrim Support Committee, together with its technology partner VOST Portugal, has developed a platform that aims to improve the safety of those making the journey. walk to the sanctuary.
The platform, available at https://mensagemdefatima.vost.pt/, encourages guides and those in charge of groups of pilgrims to register and enter all information related to the pilgrimage, including departure, arrival and overnight times.
According to information provided by the Fatima Shrine, the goal is that GNR, Civil Defense and other organizations providing safety and support to pilgrims on the road have immediate access to information and can track and accompany pilgrims, helping as needed.”
The Commission for the Support of Walking Pilgrims is coordinated by the Message of Fatima Movement and consists of the following organizations: Sanctuary of Fatima, Sovereign and Military Order of Malta, Services of Nossa Señora de Fatima, Portuguese Red Cross, Association Caminos de Fatima. , GNR, National Directorate of Emergency Management and Civil Protection, VOST Portugal, IP – Infrastructures Portugal and National Listening Corps.
International pilgrimage ceremonies begin on Sunday at 9:30 pm with the recitation of the Rosary in the Chapel of Apparitions, followed by a procession of candles, celebrating the Word in the prayer area.
On Monday, after the night prayer vigil, at 09:00 the Rosary is recited in the Chapel of the Apparitions, followed by a procession, mass, blessing of the sick and farewell at the altar in the sanctuary grounds. .
Although the official pilgrimage ceremonies will only take place on the 12th and 13th, many thousands of pilgrims are expected in Cova da Iria on Saturday the 11th.
This pilgrimage recalls Our Lady’s first appearance to the three Little Shepherds in 1917, when she asked them, according to Sister Lucia’s memoirs: “Pray the rosary every day to achieve world peace and end war.” .
“After 107 years, the task of prayer is as relevant as it is necessary. The program that awaits pilgrims in Cova da Iria on May 12 and 13 calls not only for collective prayer, but also for moments of silence and self-reflection.” , highlighted note from the Sanctuary of Fatima.
The sanctuary also warns that “the management of the arrival of pilgrims to Fatima is carried out by the National Directorate of Emergency Management and Civil Protection and the National Republican Guard, which from May 11 will have [sábado] effectively strengthening resources in Cova da Iria, especially for traffic monitoring and support for pilgrims.”
“On the 12th and 13th of May there will be a reinforcement of resources on the Pastorinhos trail, in Valinhos, as well as in Aljustrel, near the houses of Pastorinhos,” he adds, also informing that from 14:00 on the 9th, Thursday Friday, places will be available in the reserve for accommodation for those arriving on foot.
The Walking Pilgrim Reception Station can accommodate approximately 500 pilgrims on a first-come, first-served basis, with hostel accommodation provided until capacity is reached.
Pilgrims who are received at this branch will receive vouchers for a light snack and breakfast.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Dave Martin, and I’m an experienced journalist working in the news industry. As a part of my work, I write for 24 News Reporters, covering mostly sports-related topics. With more than 5 years of experience as a journalist, I have written numerous articles on various topics to provide accurate information to readers.