Religious traditions and pilgrimages marked in Elvas and Fátima

Religious traditions and pilgrimages are being highlighted in Portugal. In Elvas, Father Ricardo Lameira, rector of the Santuário do Senhor Jesus da Piedade, announced the cancellation of the traditional procession of the banners (pendões) returning to the old Sé de Elvas during the São Mateus festivities. Lameira explained that the decision aims to restore the historical meaning of the event, noting that the procession had lost its original purpose as the banners were no longer being moved from the municipality to the sanctuary in the traditional manner.

Separately, the Diocese of Guarda is conducting a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Fátima. Led by Bishop José Pereira, the event follows the theme of the centenary of the Cordimarian cycle of apparitions. The pilgrimage includes various liturgical moments, such as processions, the Rosary, and the Eucharist, involving numerous parishes and pastoral units from the diocese.