Lisbon, 5 August, 2023: Pope Francis embarked on a significant visit to the Shrine of Fátima this Saturday morning, August 5, underlining his commitment to an inclusive and accessible Church. The Holy Father’s arrival was marked by an unconventional choice – he refused the use of the safety capsule, opting to travel in an open vehicle, allowing him to be in closer contact with the faithful who had gathered at the Shrine.
The Pope’s visit commenced at approximately 8:40 am when his helicopter touched down near the Shrine. After reciting the rosary, he emphasized the importance of a Church without doors, where all are welcome. “It is important that the Church has no doors, so that everyone can enter,” stated Pope Francis.
During his two-hour stay at the Shrine, Pope Francis interacted with a diverse assembly of pilgrims, including young people with illnesses or disabilities and prisoners who could not attend the event in Lisbon. Bishop José Ornelas, Bishop of Leiria and Fátima, accompanied the Pope throughout his visit, reinforcing the notion that the Church is meant for everyone.
As he made his way towards the Chapel of the Apparitions, Pope Francis blessed and shared moments with children, offering them rosaries as tokens of his affection and devotion. This approach resonates with his overall message of fostering a close connection between the Church’s leadership and its congregation.
The Pope’s visit coincided with the ongoing World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon, which drew over 750 young people from various parishes of the Madeira archipelago. The participants assembled in a welcoming ceremony at the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, accompanied by Cardinal Dom Tolentino de Mendonça, who expressed his awe at the vibrancy of young people, referring to them as “the Spring of the Church.”
Cardinal Dom Tolentino, the mayor of the Dicastery for Culture and Education in the Roman Curia, encouraged the youth to take ownership of the Church’s future and cherish their role within it. He highlighted that the Church is not confined by age, but rather embraces the vitality and dynamism of each generation.
The Pope’s visit was met with jubilation, and chants of “Long live the Pope” reverberated as he continued to emphasize the Church’s inclusive nature and the perpetual youthfulness of the Christian spirit.
Among the attendees was Sister Teresa of the Servants of Our Lady of Fatima, aged 68, who participated in World Youth Day for the first time. Her presence exemplified the convergence of different generations, with both young and seasoned faithful joining in spiritual celebration.
The World Youth Day experience not only invigorated the participating youth but also provided a platform for older believers to engage and renew their faith. The event epitomized the intertwining of youthful enthusiasm with the wisdom of experience, manifesting a profound and meaningful encounter with God.
In a unique approach to transportation for the pilgrims attending WYD, the city of Lisbon offered a comprehensive public transport system. Pilgrims were provided with a special “Navegante” pass, granting them access to all forms of public transportation within the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. This initiative was designed to ensure seamless mobility while prioritizing environmental sustainability.
Yesterday, a heartwarming tradition of World Youth Day continued as Pope Francis shared a meal with ten young individuals from various nationalities at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lisbon. During the gathering, Pope Francis imparted his wisdom, encouraging them to embrace joy and likening their disposition to that of the saints, who are never devoid of happiness.
Pope Francis’ visit to the Shrine of Fátima and his participation in World Youth Day exemplified his mission to bridge generational divides within the Church and foster an all-embracing faith community. The event showcased the unity of faith, where the vitality of youth harmoniously converges with the steadfastness of the devoted, breathing new life into the age-old traditions of the Church.
(IND Webmaster)
