Motorcyclists return on pilgrimage to the Shrine of Fátima

Motorcyclists return on pilgrimage to the Shrine of Fátima

The Blessing of the Helmets is one of the largest pilgrimages to Cova da Iria. This year, it will take place on 20 and 21 September, once again presided over by Mgr. Rui Valério, Patriarch of Lisbon.

Thousands of motorcyclists from all over the country will travel to Fátima on the weekend of 20 and 21 September to take part in the 10th Pilgrimage of the Blessing of Helmets.

This year, the pilgrimage has a special significance as it coincides with the Holy Year, and the program has been extended to two days. As well as the Sunday mass at 11 a.m. in the Prayer Area of the Shrine, which is usually attended by thousands of motorcyclist pilgrims, this year there will be an additional event on Saturday. So, motorcyclists are invited to spend the whole weekend in Fátima.

Mgr. Rui Valério, the Patriarch of Lisbon, will preside over the pilgrimage. Motorcyclists will play an active role in the celebrations by welcoming pilgrims, carrying the litter, helping to distribute Communion, reciting the rosary, and proclaiming the readings.

This year, the program includes new activities designed to strengthen the connection between the Christian faith and road safety. To this end, a colloquium on the theme “Road Safety in the Horizons of Faith” is being held on Saturday, 20 September.

The meeting will take place between 2:30 pm and 5:45 pm at the Pastoral Centre of Paul VI, with free admission. In addition to the opening and closing musical performances, the program includes three lectures: “I have never seen so many people together or so many cars” (13-08-1917): a brief history of the blessing of vehicles in Fatima, by Luís Miguel Ferraz, researcher at the Department of Studies of the Shrine of Fatima; Guided by Faith: Christian ethics on the road, by Father Ricardo Figueiredo, director of the Department of Communication of the Patriarchate of Lisbon; and How can the Church promote road safety? Specific issues and practical questions, by Pedro Clemente, president of the National Road Safety Authority.

The aim of this colloquium is to emphasise the importance of various sectors of society working together to promote attitudes and behaviours that protect the well-being and safety of all road users.

In 2024, over 180,000 motorcyclists participated in the Blessing of Helmets pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage program

20 September

2:30 p.m. Colloquium: “Road Safety on the horizons of Faith”, at the Pastoral Centre of Paul VI

9:30 p.m. Rosary and Candlelight Procession, at the Chapel of the Apparitions

21 September

11 a.m. Mass, in the Prayer Area