The rector of the Shrine of Fatima, Carlos Cabecinhas, announced this Sunday an increase in the number of pilgrims by 26.5% in the first four months of the year compared to the same period in 2023.
“In these first four months, we have registered 1,023,683 participants in 3,004 celebrations held at the Sanctuary. Compared to last year, in the same four months, we have registered 809,039 participants in 2,449 celebrations,” the press officer said. conference that precedes the start of the pilgrimage on May 12 and 13.
According to Carlos Cabecinhas, 8,705 concelebrants, including bishops, priests and deacons, took part in the 3,004 celebrations held at the sanctuary from January 1 to April 30.
In terms of organized groups registered for the shrine’s services, there were 243 Portuguese groups with a total of 58,932 participants and 845 foreign groups with 36,346 pilgrims.
Spain, Poland, Italy, the United States of America and South Korea were the countries with the most organized groups registered with the Fatima Shrine services during the first four months of the year.
Carlos Cabecinhas also said he has no doubt that “the war in the Holy Land is having an impact” on the increase in the number of foreign pilgrims.
For this Sunday and Monday’s pilgrimage, the shrine received information from 176 groups of pilgrims, 82 of whom were Portuguese, and believers from 32 foreign countries also registered.
The official pilgrimage ceremonies begin at 9:30 pm with the recitation of the rosary and procession of candles, followed by the celebration of the Word at the altar on site, presided over by Cardinal Juan José Omella.
This ceremony is followed by a night prayer vigil, which precedes the Eucharistic procession at 07:00 on Monday, followed by the recitation of the rosary and an international mass beginning at 10:00 and ending with the traditional farewell procession.
In addition to the Spanish cardinal and the apostolic nuncio to Portugal, Ivo Scapolo, 18 bishops will be present at the ceremonies, according to the Fatima Sanctuary.