SW News: The pilgrim image of Our Lady of Fatima has arrived in Lisbon to be present for the World Youth Day (WYD) gathering from August 1 to 6. The statue, which was sculpted by noted Portuguese architect Jose Thedim based on the description of Sister Lucia dos Santos’ description of the apparition of Our Lady, was brought to Terreiro do Paco in the city on Monday, four days after it left the Sanctuary of Fatima.

Hundreds cheered and applauded as the statue was brought by boat on the Tagus accompanied by scores of pilgrims. On the final leg of the journey to the Portuguese capital, the sacred image was placed on a specially decorated boat at Vila Franca de Xira northeast of Lisbon on the Tagus.

Speaking to the Ecclesia Agency of the Portuguese episcopate, Daniela Goncalves, who is a maritime scout accompanying the image, said a different mystical experience could be felt while taking the sacred statue during its maritime journey. She said it was a proud experience for all scouts to be part of the entourage of the Blessed Virgin during her journey to Lisbon.

It was on the 27th of July that Corpo Nacional de Escutas undertook a pilgrimage from the international Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima to Lisbon with a replica of the sacred image. “Walk With Mary” was the name given to this 140-km-long pilgrimage passing through Minde, Alcanena, Pernes, Santarem, Morgado, Valada, Azambuja and Vila Franca de Xira. At the last stop, the image continued the journey to Lisbon on the Tagus on a vessel given by the Municipality. Fishermen and personnel of the Portuguese navy accompanied the sacred statue along with the scouts.

For Carlos Joaquinito, a scout from Vila Franca de Xira, the pilgrimage with Our Lady leaves a “profound symbolism and is something incredible”.
This pilgrimage is a way of “bringing Marian devotion” to World Youth Day, which takes place from August 1st to 6th in the city of Lisbon.