The Portuguese faithful have returned celebrate Fatima in front of the Mont-Roland sanctuary. This Sunday morning, the day began with an hour of mass in honor of the “mother” of Portugal. Several hundred worshipers attended. For fifty years, this event has taken place in the town and took on a lot of importance after the exile of the Portuguese during the Carnation Revolution in the 70s. Usually, this day is a big celebration for the whole Portuguese community. But the health restrictions still present during the organization gave way to a calmer day access to the religious aspect.
About 3,000 faithful present
On average, this religious ceremony usually brings more than 10,000 people. Every year dozens of stalls offer local Portuguese products, play music and liven up this party all the way to the church.
After two years of absence, the association which deals with the event had a little trouble getting back on its feet. There was less publicity and above all, they wanted to avoid all the safety and health constraints which require a lot of costs and personnel. “This year, we usually have 50 volunteers, it’s almost double”, confess, Armenia, the president of the association.
“We are still happy to see our faithful today. We realize that they needed to celebrate Fatima” .- Armenia, the president of the association.
– Dylan Jaffrelot
On the other hand, the faithful present still had a smile on their face. “It reminds us a bit of Portugal and brings us back to childhood”, loose, happy Maria. This party, it is also an opportunity to get together with family, to eat with friends, to share with Portuguese people.
I’ve been coming here since 1968. – Mathéous, a faithful
Some even come from afar to prove their faith. “We have traveled more than 200 km to come here today. But I had to come and thank Fatima,” says Sandra.
After mass and lunch the day ended with the Fatima procession.