Around 180,000 Motorcyclists Gather For Blessing Of The Helmets In Fatima, Portugal

An estimated 180,000 motorcyclists congregated connected nan Shrine of Fatima successful Portugal past play for nan yearly Blessing of nan Helmets, a belief arena now successful its tenth year.

The unsocial visit combines roadworthy information consciousness pinch Catholic ritual, offering bikers a blessing of protection from nan Virgin Mary arsenic they thrust Portugal’s unfastened roads.

A belief twist connected biker culture

Unlike nan emblematic biker rally, wherever brew and stone ’n’ rotation dominate, nan Fatima gathering centres connected faith. Riders successful leather vests attended talks connected roadworthy information and joined Mass astatine nan sanctuary, wherever priests blessed helmets pinch beatified h2o successful a oversea of raised arms.

According to Portugal’s nationalist roadworthy information authority, much than 9,900 motorcyclists were progressive successful accidents successful 2024, including 120 fatalities. The arena serves some arsenic a plea for protection and a memorial for fallen riders. “Many of these motorcyclists travel to inquire for God’s protection… but they besides travel to retrieve those who person died,” said Father Carlos Cabecinhas, rector of nan shrine.

For many, nan blessing is simply a yearly ritual. “We make this visit each twelvemonth because we person religion that she ever takes attraction of us,” said Manuel Santos, 49. Fellow rider Marlene Seabra added, “Whenever I thrust my motorcycle, I inquire Our Lady to protect me.” (Cited by National Catholic Reporter.)

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