The blessing of the helmets has become one of the great events and one of the great pilgrimages to the sanctuary of Fátima in recent years.
At the sanctuary of Fátima, in the center of the country, the pilgrimage of blessing of the helmets has become one of the great events of recent years, and this year’s is the largest ever organized.
Under the motto “We are shaped and guided by what we love“, the pilgrimage began with a parade of motorcyclists carrying the statue of Our Lady of Fatima around the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity.
“Coming here is like seeking salvation and strength to face life’s problems. Here is like our refuge.” says a biker.
“This is another blessing of helmets, so that we can rest on the road, and be blessed for another year.” says another biker.
A mass was then celebrated during which the helmets of all the motorcyclists were blessed.
The annual pilgrimage is organized by the ABC (Blessing of Helmets Association) as well as by various national and international motorcycle clubs.
“This place is, without a doubt, a moment of meeting, a moment of conviviality and also a moment of manifestation of faith. In fact, many of these bikers come to ask for God’s protection through the Virgin for their journeys.” said the father Carlos Cabecinhasrector of the sanctuary of Fatima.
Statistics indicate that 8,938 accidents involving motorcycles occurred in 2023 in Portugal. 124 people were killed and 766 seriously injured.