180K Bikers Gather for Fatima Helmet Blessing

An estimated 180,000 motorcyclists congregated at the Our Lady of Fatima shrine in central Portugal for the ninth annual Pilgrimage of the Blessing of Helmets. Carlos Cabecinhas, rector of the Sanctuary of Fatima, highlighted the event's escalating significance; this year's gathering marked the biggest turnout yet. Under the motto "We are shaped and guided by what we love!", the event commenced with a parade of motorcyclists carrying Our Lady of Fatima's statue near the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, followed by a Mass where bikers' helmets were consecrated.

Cabecinhas stated many participants seek divine protection for their journeys and remember those lost or injured. There were 8,936 motorcycle accidents in Portugal in 2023, resulting in 124 fatalities and 766 serious injuries. The better known pilgrimage event at the Fatima shrine occurs annually on May 13 and celebrates the Virgin Mary's 1917 apparition to three shepherd children. Pope Francis canonized two of the children on the centennial of the apparition in 2017, with ongoing proceedings for the canonization of the third child, who became Sister Lucia. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)