The Shrine of Fatima is expecting thousands of Catholics today and Friday for the last great pilgrimage of the year to Cova da Iria, with the ceremonies to be presided over by the new Portuguese cardinal, Américo Aguiar. The pilgrimage programme begins at 9.30pm today at the Chapel of the Apparitions, followed by a candlelight procession and “the celebration of the word” at the altar in the compound. GNR police will carry out a special operation to accompany the pilgrimage, involving resources including explosive deactivation teams, as well as surveillance using drones, writes Lusa.
