Thousands of Catholics are expected Thursday and Friday in Fatima for the last great pilgrimage of the year to the Cova da Iria sanctuary, with ceremonies led by new Cardinal Américo Aguiar.
The official pilgrimage program begins at 21:30 with the recitation of the rosary in the Chapel of Apparitions, followed by a procession of candles and the celebration of the Word at the altar in the enclosure.
After the Friday night vigil, there will be a Eucharistic procession in the prayer area at 7am, followed two hours later by the rosary in the Capelinha das Apparições, procession, international mass, blessing of the sick and farewell procession.
More than 80 organized groups of pilgrims from 29 countries are registered for this pilgrimage on October 12 and 13, the second great pilgrimage that Américo Aguiar will lead in the largest Marian shrine in the country, “and this year it has special significance since it presided over the WYD Lisbon 2023 Foundation , responsible for an event that mobilized about one and a half million young people in Portugal.”
The first pilgrimage in which the appointed bishop of Setúbal took part [de que tomará posse em 26 de outubro] The Fatima presidency took place in June 2020.
Then, in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, he said no one could be left behind.
The pilgrimage of October 12 and 13 marks the sixth “appearance” of Our Lady to the Little Shepherds, October 13, 1917.
The year 2023 in Fatima was marked by the presence of thousands of young people and the visit of Pope Francis on August 5, who prayed there along with young people with disabilities and young prisoners from the Leiria prison.
From July 24 to August 10 alone, a period affected by World Youth Day, the Shrine of Fatima recorded the presence of more than 1.15 million people for celebrations held at the Shrine of Mary, the rector reported on the 13th. August.
According to Father Carlos Cabecinhas, this period, which coincided with the work of the Youth Village prepared by the Sanctuary to support the young people participating in World Youth Day passing through the Cova da Iria, fell on August 5, when the Pope prayed at the Capelinha das Apparitions, day with the largest number of people: more than 222,890 people.
Carlos Cabecinhas also explained that the pilgrims who passed through Fatima between July 24 and August 10 came from 68 countries, and the celebrations were held in 32 languages.
Meanwhile, the National Republican Guard (NRG) will conduct a special operation to monitor the pilgrimage, using assets such as explosive disposal teams and drone surveillance.
In a statement, the GNR emphasized that the Fatima Sanctuary “represents an annual meeting place for approximately seven million pilgrims and visitors, especially during religious holidays, being one of the largest centers of Catholic pilgrimage in the world.”
“The large crowds and the projected size of the event suggest heightened concerns in all aspects related to the safety of people and goods when entering the city of Fatima,” he added.
Under Operation Trindade 2023, called Operation PNP, the guards will have “a special security device and will increase patrols on the main access roads to the city of Fatima, focusing on three main areas of activity: ensuring road safety and smooth traffic on the approaches to Fatima, guarantee the prevention of illegal activities, rude behavior or changes in public order and guarantee an atmosphere of calm and safety throughout the event.”
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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