The roots of this pilgrimage trace back to a promise made during the dark days of World War II. Amidst the Battle of the Bulge, the then Dean of Wiltz, alongside ten others seeking refuge in a cellar, vowed to build a sanctuary in honour of Our Lady of Fatima should Wiltz be liberated from German occupation. True to their word, they fulfilled this promise, laying the foundation for a pilgrimage that endures to this day.
Organising such a significant event requires meticulous planning and dedicated effort. Each year, around 70 to 80 individuals, mostly volunteers, devote their time and energy to its organisation at the parish level. Planning starts immediately after the conclusion of the previous pilgrimage, with a thorough debriefing session to assess successes and areas for improvement.
As Hélène Neissen, a catechist in Wiltz, explains, the planning process intensifies towards the end of the year: “In December, we collaborate with our Portuguese friends to discuss plans for the upcoming pilgrimage. Then, in January, we convene with various authorities—such as the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps, the police, the municipality, and the Bridges and Roads Authority—to finalise logistical details and ensure a seamless execution.”
The theme for the 2024 pilgrimage, “With Mary, together for peace,” resonates within the historic setting of Our Lady of Fatima sanctuary in Wiltz. Dean Maurice Péporté stresses the theme’s significance, citing both the sanctuary’s origins during World War II and the current global landscape marred by conflicts.
This year holds special significance as the parish welcomes Cardinal José Tolentino Mendonça, invited by Cardinal Hollerich, to lead the pilgrimage. Dean Péporté outlines Cardinal Mendonça’s role during the pilgrimage: “Cardinal Mendonça will preside over the pilgrimage and will hear pilgrims’ confessions in the morning. Additionally, he will deliver a midday catechesis and lead the mass.”
Anticipation runs high as the parish expects up to 20,000 worshippers to gather in Wiltz. To accommodate the influx, organisers have devised alternative arrangements due to parking and camping restrictions near the N12 in Fond de Heiderscheid. Collaborating with the Wiltz scouts, a campsite near Tutschemillen has been designated, providing space for approximately 300 individuals. Additionally, the CFL stop at Paradiso will operate at half-hour intervals.
