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 of Our Lady of Fatima around the world, the sanctuary in Luxembourg is a place of comfort and prayer. It hosts a well-attended pilgrimage every year , particularly by the region’s Portuguese community. Located in the town of Wiltz, the sanctuary attracts believers seeking spiritual renewal and healing.

In January 1945, as the Battle of the Ardennes raged, residents of Wiltz took refuge in a cellar. Guided by the senior parish priest, Father Prosper Colling, they vowed to build a sanctuary dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Our Lady of Fatima if they survived. This vow, signed on a barrel, marked the beginning of a tradition that continues to this day.

The sanctuary was inaugurated in July 1952 on the hill known as “Op Baessent.” Designed by architect Lull Marth and adorned with sculptures by Aurelio Sabbatini, it pays tribute to the 108 war victims from the parish of Niederwiltz. A Way of the Cross, constructed using stones from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, completes this place of contemplation.

Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Wiltz Shrine is today one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Wiltz is also the setting for the famous Fête du Genêt, or Geenzefest, held over 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 each 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 time 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 bonds.

Access and practical information

• Date: Ascension Thursday. Next date: May 6, 2027
• Location: Wiltz, "Op Baessent" Shrine
• Transportation: P&R shuttles run every 15 minutes from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM from several stops in town.
• Parking: Approximately 900 spaces available in the designated P+R parking lots.
• Recommendations: Use public transportation and help protect the environment by sorting your trash.

The pilgrimage of Our Lady of Fatima in Wiltz is much more than a religious tradition. It is a time of fellowship, 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 1917 in Portugal, the Virgin Mary delivered messages of peace, repentance, and hope to three young shepherds from the village of Fatima. In commemoration, a pilgrimage site was then established at this location.

Since then, Our Lady of Fatima has attracted millions of pilgrims each year seeking spiritual comfort at holy sites around the world. The pilgrimage is a time of reflection, prayer, and introspection for believers. They carry candles and banners, and pray the rosary in a procession toward the holy site to express their religious devotion.

Along the way, pilgrims sing hymns, recite the rosary, and pray for peace, the healing of 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, the people of Luxembourg pay homage to their roots. They maintain a deep connection to their cultural identity.

Other religious events in Luxembourg

• The Oktav: A two-week pilgrimage to Luxembourg Cathedral in May. It is the largest pilgrimage in the region.
• Echternach Dancing Procession: Listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, it takes place on Pentecost Tuesday. It is a one-of-a-kind pilgrimage.

For more information on events in Luxembourg, check out our calendar.