The Fatima Pilgrimage
The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared on May 13, 1917 in Fatima, Portugal, to three shepherd children. For 6 months, she appeared to them on the same day, the 13th. She entrusted them with messages and a Secret in three parts. The Church has recognized these apparitions and major pilgrimages have been organized since. Several popes, including Pope Francis, have notably visited.
When Does the Fatima Pilgrimage Take Place?
Traditionally, the faithful go to Fatima (a town 120 kilometers from Lisbon) on May 12 and 13, the anniversary days of the first apparition of Mary to Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco. Every year, nearly 6 million Christians gather on these same days. It is then the largest gathering of believers from all over the world in two days. They all come to express their love and devotion to the Mother of the Savior.
Of course, May 12 and 13 are not mandatory dates to visit the sanctuary. It is a personal journey that can be made at any time of the year. Masses are celebrated daily between April and October and torchlight processions are organized every evening. However, it should be noted that the anniversary days of the apparitions: May 13, June 13, July 13, August 19, September 13 and October 13, gather an impressive crowd of pilgrims. These are days of incredible intensity because an atmosphere of recollection and prayer beyond words reigns there.
For these occasions, the statue of the Blessed Virgin of the Sanctuary of Fatima is adorned with a sumptuous crown composed of 313 pearls, 2679 precious stones and the bullet that nearly killed Saint John Paul II in 1981.
What is the Program of the Fatima Pilgrimage?
From May to October, the program of the sanctuary's celebrations does not change. On the evening of May 12, after the rosary, thousands of pilgrims gather in the esplanade for a torchlight procession, one of the highlights of these two days. Then, a silent procession concludes the day. On the morning of May 13, after a new rosary, an international Mass is celebrated, with a blessing of the sick, followed by a farewell procession.
Alongside all this, it is highly recommended to visit Lucia's house and walk the Way of the Cross of Fatima, the site of the August 19 apparition.
What are the Routes for Pilgrimage to Fatima?
Tradition dictates that pilgrims arrive on foot in Fatima. Thus, every year hundreds of believers travel the roads towards the sanctuary. They are recognizable by their reflective vests and the police units deployed to protect them.
There are four official Fatima Routes, starting from Lisbon, Nazaré, Coimbra or Valença (via Porto). Of course, depending on each person's abilities, nothing prevents choosing a starting point closer to the sanctuary and covering only a few symbolic kilometers.
Additional Tips to Organize Your Pilgrimage Well
The anniversary dates of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima attract uninterrupted streams of faithful. Therefore, monstrous traffic jams form at highway exits, parking lots near the sanctuary are overrun, as are the nearest hotels. So you need to book your accommodation well in advance, arrive a few days before the start of the pilgrimage and leave a few days after. This will make your life easier once on site and allow you to discover the region!
Furthermore, if the idea of participating in a pilgrimage gathering hundreds of people frightens you, the Fatima sanctuary offers the possibility of making your own pilgrimage. Thus, you can create a tailor-made program, with or without a priest, participating or not in the official celebrations. Your request must be addressed to the Pilgrims' Service (SEPE) by mail, indicating the date and number of days desired, the number of pilgrims, the parish and diocese concerned. Rooms can even be made available.
Finally, the Fatima sanctuary also organizes thematic pilgrimages, such as the one for children on June 9 and 10 and the one for the elderly on May 31 and June 1.
Prayer of Pope Francis During the Pilgrimage to Fatima for the 100th Anniversary of the Blessed Virgin's Apparition
"The Holy Father
Hail, O Queen, Blessed Virgin of Fatima, Lady of the Immaculate Heart, refuge and path that leads to God!
Pilgrim of the Light that comes from your hands, I give thanks to God the Father, who, at all times and in all places, acts in human history;
Pilgrim of the Peace that in this place you announce, I praise Christ, our peace, and for the world I ask concord among all peoples;
Pilgrim of the Hope that the Spirit enlivens, I wish to be a prophet and messenger to wash the feet of all, at the same table that unites us.
Chorus sung by the assembly
Ave O clemens, ave O pia!
Salve Regina Rosarii Fatimae.
Ave O clemens, ave O pia!
Ave O dulcis Virgo Maria.
The Holy Father
Hail, Mother of Mercy, Lady of the white mantle!
In this place where, a hundred years ago, you showed to all the designs of the Mercy of our God, I gaze upon your mantle of light, and, as a bishop clothed in white, I remember all those who, clothed in baptismal purity, wish to live in God and pray the mysteries of Christ to obtain peace.
Chorus sung by the assembly
The Holy Father
Hail, life and sweetness, hail, our hope, O Virgin Pilgrim, O Universal Queen!
In the depths of your being, in your Immaculate Heart, see the joys of the human person on pilgrimage towards the heavenly Homeland.
In the depths of your being, in your Immaculate Heart, see the sorrows of the human family that groans and weeps in this valley of tears.
In the depths of your being, in your Immaculate Heart, adorn us with the splendor of all the jewels of your crown and make us pilgrims as you were a pilgrim.
By your virginal smile strengthen the joy of the Church of Christ, by your gentle gaze, reinforce the hope of the children of God.
By the praying hands that you raise to the Lord, unite all people in a single human family.
Chorus sung by the assembly
The Holy Father
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary, Queen of the Rosary of Fatima!
Make us follow the example of the blessed Francisco and Jacinta, and of all who bear witness to the Gospel message.
Thus, we will travel all roads, we will be pilgrims on all paths, we will tear down all walls and overcome all borders, going to all peripheries, revealing there the justice and peace of God.
We will be, in the joy of the Gospel, a Church clothed in white, with purity washed in the blood of the Lamb, shed still today in all the wars that destroy the world in which we live.
And so we will be, like You, an image of the luminous column that illuminates the paths of the world, showing to all that God exists, that God is present, that God dwells among His people, yesterday, today, and for all eternity.
Chorus sung by the assembly
The Holy Father with the faithful
Hail, Mother of the Lord, Virgin Mary, Queen of the Rosary of Fatima!
Blessed among all women, you are the image of the Church clothed in paschal light, you are the honor of our people, you are the triumph over the assault of evil.
Prophetess of the Merciful Love of the Father, Teacher of the Proclamation of the Good News of the Son, Sign of the Ardent Fire of the Holy Spirit, teach us, in this valley of joys and sorrows, the eternal truths that the Father reveals to the little ones.
Show us the strength of your protective mantle.
In your Immaculate Heart, be the refuge of sinners and the path that leads to God.
United with my brothers in Faith, in Hope and in Love, I entrust myself to You.
United with my brothers, through You, I consecrate myself to God, O Virgin of the Rosary of Fatima.
And finally, enveloped in the Light that comes from your hands, I will give glory to the Lord for ever and ever.
Amen!"
Continue Your Prayer with Hozana and Go on a Pilgrimage!
Discover wonderful prayer communities thanks to Hozana!
with the children of Fatima.
Pray during this beautiful retreat and
