Latest news and stories about pilgrimage in Portugal for expats and residents.
Many relics are scientifically proven, but not all have a historical basis: to faith, what belongs to faith; and to history, what belongs to history.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Portugal leads the religious pilgrimage dedicated to migrants and refugees in Fátima.
2027 will be a Compostelan Holy Year. It would be the ideal time to outline the first strategic plan for the Ways of Saint James in Portugal.
The author's childhood memory of the annual pilgrimage he made with his parents to the Chapel of Rãs, including a walk, mass, and a meal afterwards.
The Military Ordinariate of Portugal organises the annual National Military Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Fatima.
If the path is long, it is better to travel it with good music. During the week of May 13th, we have chosen songs for long walks in search of redemption or the fulfillment of divine promises.
Yasmim Santos travelled from São Paulo with her mother to attend the May 13th celebrations at the Sanctuary of Fátima for the first time. According to the Sanctuary, Brazilian groups rank 4th among foreign pilgrims, behind Poland, Italy, and France. The rector of the Sanctuary, Father Carlos Cabecinhas, noted that devotion to Our Lady of Fátima continues to grow in Brazil, strengthening the bond between the two countries.
Knees on the ground, burnt candles, and kilometres travelled on foot, by bicycle, or by caravan. Thousands of believers gather once again in Fátima for May 13th. Some ask for favours, others give thanks, in a ritual that returns to the same place every year.
The CMTV presenter arrived in Fátima this Tuesday, together with a group of pilgrims, for the May 13th celebrations.
Father Avelino went on the show ‘Olá, Bom Dia!’ to talk about the history of May 13th and what motivates thousands of people to walk to the Sanctuary every year.
The arrival of pilgrims at the Sanctuary of Fátima, including a group from Pero Pinheiro, marks the eve of the May 13th celebrations. Thousands of faithful from Portugal and abroad gathered for the candlelight procession, expressing deep gratitude and faith despite the physical toll of their journey. The event highlights the enduring devotion to Our Lady of Fátima, with pilgrims sharing personal prayers and reflections as they fill the sanctuary.
In an interview ahead of the May 13th pilgrimage, the Bishop of Leiria-Fátima, José Ornelas, describes the Sanctuary as a 'mother's house' that welcomes those burdened by life's anxieties, such as war, loneliness, and illness. He discusses the international growth of Fátima, the potential for a future visit by Pope Francis, and the Sanctuary's role in providing social support and a space for peace, while also addressing the Church's ongoing commitment to protecting the vulnerable and responding to the issue of sexual abuse.
Presiding over the pilgrimage for the first time, Rui Valério addressed the thousands of faithful present, reminding them that they carry “the weight of the days and the hope of the heart”.
Thousands of pilgrims gather at the Sanctuary of Fátima for early morning services.
The sanctuary receives its first major influx of the year with the May pilgrimage. Celebrations are presided over by Bishop Rui Valério.
Thousands of faithful filled the Sanctuary of Fátima this Tuesday night for the start of the international pilgrimage of May 13th, presided over by the Patriarch of Lisbon, Rui Valério. The celebrations, marking 109 years since the events at Cova da Iria, began at 9:30 PM on Tuesday with the recitation of the rosary at the Chapel of the Apparitions, followed by the candlelight procession and the Liturgy of the Word in the main square. On Wednesday, following the 9:00 AM rosary, mass will begin an hour later, including the blessing of the sick and the farewell procession. As of Monday afternoon, 170 groups totaling 7,550 pilgrims had registered. Of these, 67 are from Portugal and 103 from 30 different countries. The sanctuary noted that the top five countries for foreign pilgrims remain Poland, Italy, France, Brazil, and Mexico. Fátima expects more pilgrims in 2026, despite damage caused by storm Kristin. View the best images from the May 13th celebrations at the Sanctuary of Fátima.
Regarding the impact of the low-pressure system Kristin on January 28, the priest noted that damage occurred to buildings, as well as to the natural heritage of the prayer grounds, the surrounding areas, and the Valinhos hill.
Fátima hosts the first major pilgrimage of the year between today and tomorrow. For many, arriving at the Sanctuary is a moment of great emotion.
Thousands of faithful are expected today and Wednesday at the Sanctuary of Fátima for the international pilgrimage of today and May 13th, presided over by the Patriarch of Lisbon, Rui Valério.
By early Monday afternoon, 170 groups, totalling 7,550 people, had registered for the pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Fátima. Of the 170 groups, 67 are from Portugal.
