31 january, 2011
On February 6, cyclists from all over the country headed early in the morning, some even before dawn, towards Fatima, in order to take part in the IX National Pilgrimage of Cyclists. The mild weather and the sunshine helped.
An unusual gesture marked the pilgrimage this year. To the Bishop Emeritus of Leiria-Fatima a bicycle was offered, on behalf of the cyclists, by the Portuguese Federation of Cyclotourism. This gesture was made to thank Bishop Serafim Ferreira e Silva for the unconditional support he gave to this initiative from day one. The Bishop told the journalists that “he didn’t deserve this special gift” and that this was his means of transportation in his youth.
According to the organization of the event, more than four thousand cyclists were present for the blessing given after the visit to the homes of the Little Shepherds as well as to the sites of the Apparitions of the Angel and of Our Lady in Aljustrel and Valinhos.
They all recited in unison a prayer written on a small holy card distributed to the participants by the Shrine of Fatima: “We pray to You, O Lord, for all those who use bicycles, that they may ride with caution and safely, use prudence while traveling through roads used by others and may always feel being accompanied by Jesus Christ in their travels whether for pleasure or for work.”
After the blessing, Holy Mass was celebrated in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, presided over by Bishop Serafim Ferreira e Silva, who dedicated the celebration to all the cyclists present in Fatima.
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