Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Fátima, in Portugal, brings together thousands of people

The international pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Fátima, in Portugal, one of the most traditional Catholic events in the world, brought together thousands of people again after two years of interruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

On Thursday night (12), pilgrims followed the procession and solemn blessing of candles after the activities of the first day of the pilgrimage in commemoration of the 105th anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady of Fátima at Cova da Iria, in Fátima.

Faced with the war in Ukraine, which has affected thousands of people since February 24, the speeches to pilgrims were aimed at charity, dialogue and the search for peace.

Dialogue

In the homily of the closing mass of the pilgrimage in May held this Friday (13), Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra warned of the need for constructive dialogue as a way of overcoming conflicts.

“We say and amplify many words, driven by the rush to always say or do something, forgetting to drink water. [saciarmos] calmly at the source of life and peace (…) Even at the international level, let us think how important it would be to listen to the reasons of the other and give priority to dialogue and negotiation, the only paths to a stable and lasting peace, instead of taking actions inspired by the greedy and hasty pursuit of their own interests,” said the archbishop.

In 2023, World Youth Day will be held in Lisbon, with the theme “Mary got up and left in haste”. The Archbishop mentioned the event and invited the faithful to reflect.

“Dear pilgrims of Fatima, let us get up and leave hastily to meet those around us: let us dream of them and, with God’s help, let us not tire of building a Church with a young and beautiful face, which shines when it is missionary, welcoming , free, faithful, poor in means and rich in love”, he said.

Pope Francis greets pilgrims

At the weekly public audience held on Wednesday (11), in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis recalled the pilgrims participating in the celebrations in Fatima.

“My thoughts also go to those who, in these days, are heading to the Sanctuary of Fátima, bringing to Our Lady the joys and worries of their hearts”, said the pontiff. “United with these brothers of ours, we too entrust our ardent desire for peace in the world to the Virgin Mary, who embraces everyone with her maternal gaze,” Francis added.

Source: CNN Brasil

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