Thousands of Catholics from various corners of the world gathered in Fátima over the weekend for the annual Pilgrimage of the Migrant and the Refugee, presided over by Archbishop Filomeno Dias Vieira of Luanda. Last year, Bishop Edgar Cunha of Fall River, Massachusetts, led the pilgrimage.

Centered around the theme “Empowering Choice: Embrace Migration or Rooted Residency,” this year’s pilgrimage echoed Pope Francis’ message on the Day of the Migrant and the Refugee. The event attracted numerous immigrants residing in Portugal as well as members of the Portuguese diaspora.

Addressing the significance of migration, the Bishops’ Commission highlighted its inevitability and emphasized its potential as a tool for fostering social justice.

This 60-year-old tradition is a key component of the 51st Migration Week, organized by the Portuguese Catholic Work for Migration, an initiative under the Episcopal Commission for Social Pastoral and Human Mobility (CEPSMH).

Taking place on August 12 and 13 annually, the event draws thousands of pilgrims worldwide, including individuals from the Portuguese Diaspora—communities of Portuguese and Portuguese descendants scattered across the globe. The pilgrimage to Cova da Iria has gained significant momentum, attracting over 200,000 participants.

Concluding Sunday, this pilgrimage holds its place as one of the most prominent events of the year in Cova da Iria, within the broader context of the 51st Migration Week organized by the Portuguese Catholic Work for Migration, a part of the Episcopal Commission for Social Pastoral and Human Mobility (CEPSMH).

PAJ/Staff