FATIMA, Portugal (AP) — During a vibrant gathering on Sunday, approximately 180,000 motorcyclists convened at the Our Lady of Fatima shrine in central Portugal to celebrate the ninth annual Pilgrimage of the Blessing of Helmets. This year’s event recorded its largest attendance to date, highlighting its growing significance.
Carlos Cabecinhas, the rector of the Sanctuary of Fatima, noted the pilgrimage’s increasing prominence, characterized by both its festive atmosphere and deep devotion. Participants were united under the theme “We are shaped and guided by what we love!” as they celebrated their passion for motorcycling and faith.
Two red firefighter helmets are raised in the air among a sea of motorcyclist helmets during the IX Pilgrimage of the Blessing of Helmets at the Roman Catholic shrine of Fatima, Portugal, on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Ana Brigida)
The pilgrimage initiated with a parade featuring motorcyclists carrying a statue of Our Lady of Fatima, followed by a Mass where the helmets of the bikers were blessed. Organized by the Blessing of Helmets Association alongside various motorcycle clubs from both national and international communities, the event saw participation from numerous police forces providing support and security.
A priest blesses the helmets of participants, including those from the police force, during the IX Pilgrimage of the Blessing of Helmets, which draws tens of thousands to the Fatima holy shrine on September 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Ana Brigida)
Tens of thousands of motorcyclists participated in the IX Pilgrimage of the Blessing of Helmets, expressing gratitude and seeking protection for their journeys during a heartfelt ceremony at the Fatima shrine, on September 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Ana Brigida)
Cabecinhas expressed that many motorcyclists come seeking God’s protection through Our Lady for their travels while also remembering those who have passed away, particularly those lost in motorcycle accidents. As per national statistics, Portugal recorded 8,936 motorcycle accidents in 2023, resulting in 124 fatalities and 766 serious injuries.
May 13 marks the most significant pilgrimage at the Fatima shrine, honoring the day on which, according to the Catholic faith, Mary, the mother of Jesus, appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. Pope Francis canonized two of these children on May 13, 2017, during celebrations commemorating the apparition, while the third, known as Sister Lucia, is undergoing a Vatican-led process that could culminate in her own canonization.
___
The Associated Press’s religion coverage is supported through a collaboration with The Conversation US, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
In this rewritten version, I rearranged the order of some paragraphs, added clarifying details, and ensured that the information remains clear and engaging for a broad audience while retaining the original HTML structure.
