Thousands expected in Fátima on the 12th and 13th in the gradual return to normality

The Sanctuary of Fátima is preparing to receive thousands of faithful for the International Anniversary Pilgrimage in October, on the 12th and 13th, expecting the biggest turnout since the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic.

Presided over by Cardinal Sérgio da Rocha, Archbishop of Salvador da Bahia, and Primate of Brazil – who was even invited to preside over the ceremonies of May 12 and 13, 2020, but who, due to the pandemic, ended for not traveling to Portugal -, the celebrations on Tuesday and Wednesday have already enrolled 37 groups of pilgrims of 12 nationalities, which points to the gradual return to normality in the Sanctuary of Cova da Iria.

The October pilgrimage, which celebrates the 6th Apparition of Our Lady, with particular emphasis on the so-called “miracle of the Sun”, is the last great anniversary pilgrimage of a pastoral year still very marked by the pandemic, for which, “although this date is ongoing a progressive and responsible deconfinement, it will be mandatory to use a mask and hand hygiene at the entrance to the Enclosure”, informed the Sanctuary of Fátima.

“Some information to pilgrims will be reinforced by resorting to additional signs to the existing ones. The Shrine recommends special care and prudence to pilgrims and participants who are part of a risk group and who wish to participate in the celebrations. Taking into account the large number of pilgrims in some specific areas, the delimitation of some spaces is reinforced in order to create security perimeters and manage access to places susceptible to agglomerations”, adds the information released today.

In addition to these indications, there will be no other limitations on the participation of pilgrims, which “can already be done without other constraints”.

The Rector of the Shrine of Fatima, Father Carlos Cabecinhas, underlined in a recent message to pilgrims that this new stage represents an “opportunity” after “a year and a half after so many deprivations and sacrifices in the name of (…) health and love for others”, with “each one (…) being responsible for ensuring a serene and progressive transition to normality”.

“With a new horizon, with our eyes already set on the October Pilgrimage, we invite you to come to Cova da Iria, with the same responsibility. We were used to this time of pandemic, but without other constraints, other than individual protection and protection of others, such as the use of masks and the necessary distance” said the person responsible for the Sanctuary of Fátima in the message.

This Anniversary Pilgrimage has the theme of the pastoral year – “Praise the Lord, who raises up the weak” – and “inserts itself in the dynamic for the next three years, a period in which the Sanctuary will be in tune with the preparation of the World Youth Day (WYD)”, scheduled for 2023 in Lisbon.

The pilgrimage officially begins on Tuesday, at 9:30 pm, with the recitation of the rosary, in the Capelinha das Aparições, followed by a procession of candles and celebration at the altar in the precinct. On the 13th, at 9:00 am, the recitation of the Rosary will take place, followed by an international mass, with the word to the sick and a procession of Farewell. Comments