The day on which the Portuguese Sanctuary registered the highest presence of pilgrims was when Pope Francis attended to pray at the Apparitions Chapel.
Fátima – Portugal (08/15/2023 15:06, Gaudium Press) Between the period of two and a half weeks, from July 24th to August 10th, during which the Fátima Sanctuary prepared to welcome young participants of the Lisbon World Youth Day, over 1.1 million pilgrims participated in the celebrations held there.
A highly significant presence from all continents
According to the rector of the Fátima Sanctuary, Father Carlos Cabecinhas, the day when the Portuguese Sanctuary registered the highest presence of pilgrims was when Pope Francis attended to pray at the Apparitions Chapel. The second day with the most pilgrims was July 31st, when the young people were participating in the pre-journey as they moved towards Lisbon.
“These are very encouraging numbers that exceed our best expectations. We had a highly significant presence here from all continents, from many parts of the world,” said the rector of the Marian Sanctuary, highlighting the 68 nationalities of young people present in Fátima.
A fundamental contribution to the spread of the message of Fátima
Father Carlos Cabecinhas sees the presence of the young people in the past weeks as a fundamental contribution to the spread of the message of Fátima. “From the beginning, we emphasized that this was an investment in the future, an effort to make Fátima known to the younger generation, certain that they will not fail to return. It was also a fundamental moment for us to introduce Fátima, certain that the young people will now be the great announcers and spreaders of the message of Fátima in their countries.” (EPC)
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
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