Pilgrimage of Our Lady of Fatima to Wiltz

A major spiritual event in Luxembourg

Every year on Ascension Thursday, Wiltz becomes the spiritual heart of Luxembourg. Nearly 20,000 faithful, mainly from the Portuguese community, gather to honor Our Lady of Fatima. This pilgrimage, deeply rooted in local history, symbolizes faith, gratitude, and resilience. This annual pilgrimage is one of the major religious events in Luxembourg. It bears witness to the Catholic faith of its inhabitants.

The origins of the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Wiltz

Like other holy sites dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima around the world, the sanctuary in Luxembourg is a place of comfort and prayer. Every year , it hosts a pilgrimage that is very popular, particularly among the Portuguese community in the region. Located in the town of Wiltz, the sanctuary attracts believers seeking spiritual renewal and healing. In January 1945, while the Battle of the Bulge was raging, the inhabitants of Wiltz took refuge in a cellar. Led by the parish priest Prosper Colling, they promised to build a sanctuary dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Our Lady of Fatima if they survived. This promise, signed on a barrel, marked the beginning of a tradition that continues to this day. The sanctuary was inaugurated in July 1952 on the "Op Baessent" hill. Designed by architect Lull Marth and decorated with sculptures by Aurelio Sabbatini, it pays tribute to the 108 war victims from the parish of Niederwiltz. A Way of the Cross, made with rocks from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, completes this place of contemplation. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the sanctuary of Wiltz is now one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Wiltz is also the scene of the famous Broom Festival or Geenzefest during the Pentecost weekend.

Pilgrimage in Luxembourg every Ascension Thursday

The Pilgrimage of Our Lady of Fatima traditionally takes place in Luxembourg on Ascension Thursday, which is a public holiday in Luxembourg. Since 1968, this pilgrimage has attracted nearly 20,000 faithful every year. The day begins with a mass at the church in Niederwiltz, followed by a procession to the sanctuary. The pilgrims, carrying candles and banners, sing and pray along the way. It is a moment of sharing, faith, and community. The Portuguese community plays a central role in this pilgrimage. For many, it is an opportunity to reconnect with their roots and pass on their traditions to younger generations. Entire families participate, strengthening intergenerational and cultural ties.

Access and practical information

• Date: Ascension Thursday. Next date: May 14, 2026
• Location: Wiltz, "Op Baessent" sanctuary
• Transportation: P&R shuttles run every 15 minutes from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. from several stops in town.
• Parking: Approximately 900 spaces available in the marked P+R car parks.
• Recommendations: Use public transportation and respect the environment by sorting your waste.

The pilgrimage of Our Lady of Fatima in Wiltz is much more than a religious tradition. It is a moment of communion, remembrance, and celebration. Whether you are a believer or simply curious, this day offers a unique immersion in Luxembourgish and Portuguese culture.

Our Lady of Fatima

Our Lady of Fatima is the object of deep religious devotion. During several apparitions in Portugal in 1917, the Virgin Mary delivered messages of peace, repentance, and hope to three young shepherds from the village of Fatima. In commemoration, a place of pilgrimage was erected at this location. Since then, Our Lady of Fatima has attracted millions of pilgrims every year seeking spiritual comfort in holy places around the world. The pilgrimage is a time of reflection, prayer, and introspection for believers, who carry candles, rosaries, and banners to express their religious devotion during processions to the holy site. Along the way, pilgrims sing hymns, recite the rosary, and pray for peace, healing for the sick, and their personal intentions. The sense of community and shared faith creates a profound atmosphere of unity and spiritual renewal. By preserving and celebrating their ancient religious traditions, Luxembourgers pay tribute to their roots. They maintain a deep connection to their cultural identity.

Other religious events in Luxembourg

• The Oktav: A fortnight-long pilgrimage to Luxembourg Cathedral in May. It is the largest pilgrimage in the region.
• Echternach Dancing Procession: Listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, it takes place on Whit Tuesday. It is a unique pilgrimage.

For more information on events in Luxembourg, see our calendar.