Faithful hold up their helmets to be blessed during the IX Pilgrimage of the Blessing of Helmets that draws tens of thousands at the Roman Catholic holy shrine of Fatima, in Fatima, Portugal, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.Photo by Ana Brigida/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Thousands of motorcyclists converge at Portuguese shrine to have their helmets blessed

The rector of the Sanctuary of Fatima says the event has steadily increased in prominence — renowned for its conviviality as well as its shows of devotion

· National Post

An estimated 180,000 motorcyclists gathered Sunday at the Our Lady of Fatima shrine in central Portugal for the ninth annual Pilgrimage of the Blessing of Helmets.

Carlos Cabecinhas, the rector of the Sanctuary of Fatima, said the event has steadily increased in prominence — renowned for its conviviality as well as its shows of devotion. This year’s turnout was the largest ever,