The Polish Press Agency (PAP) learned from the sanctuary administration that around 20 organized groups from various regions of Poland arrived in Fatima on Saturday.
During the day, Polish pilgrims attended a Holy Mass celebrated in Polish. In the evening, during commemorative ceremonies in the sanctuary’s main square, several prayers—including the Rosary—were recited in Polish.
Many Polish visitors also prayed at the statue of St. John Paul II. The crowd included numerous pilgrims from other countries.
“Every time I come to Fatima, I go to the statue of the Polish Pope to pray for his intercession. I remember his beautiful homilies and the testimony he left behind. I met him personally; I stood along the routes of his papal journeys,” said Matilda Pina, a civil servant from Lisbon, in an interview with PAP.
Portuguese pilgrims form the largest national group at the celebrations, which will continue until Sunday afternoon.
On September 13, 1917, the penultimate Marian apparition to three children from local farming families took place. A month later, the six‑month series of apparitions concluded. According to their testimony, the children received a message from Our Lady calling for penance, prayer, and conversion.
John Paul II maintained a particularly strong connection to the Fatima message. He visited the site three times—more than any other pope.
(pu)
Source: PAP