Our Lady of Fatima pilgrimage in Wiltz

The annual pilgrimage to Our Lady of Fatima occupies a special place among Luxembourg's many religious events. Every year, thousands of pilgrims gather to pay homage to the Virgin Mary. They travel to the revered shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Wiltz, in northern Luxembourg.

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima in Wiltz

The shrine of Our Lady of Fatima is a place of comfort and prayer, just like the other holy places of the same name around the world. It hosts a popular annual pilgrimage. Every year, the town of Wiltz attracts believers from far and wide in search of spiritual renewal and healing. The pilgrimage is particularly popular with the local Portuguese Catholic community.

The site of Our Lady of Fatima in Wiltz was erected in July 1952 by the faithful in thanksgiving for her protection, following a promise made to the Virgin Mary during the Second World War.

In 1945, while the terrible battle of the Ardennes was raging, some inhabitants of Wiltz took refuge in a cellar to escape the bombardments. Of Portuguese origin, they promised each other that if they survived the war, they would give thanks to Our Lady of Fatima.

Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Wiltz sanctuary is now one of the Grand Duchy's most important Catholic pilgrimages.

Pilgrimage to Luxembourg every Ascension Thursday

The Pilgrimage of Our Lady of Fatima traditionally takes place in Luxembourg every Ascension Thursday, which is a public holiday in Luxembourg. This year, the pilgrimage of Our Lady of Fatima to Wiltz will take place on Thursday May 9, 2024.

Every year, some 20,000 pilgrims come to give thanks to "Nossa Senhora de Fatima", at the "Op Bässent" site in Wiltz.

Today, the pilgrimage is closely followed by the Portuguese community, which is very present in Luxembourg and throughout the region. Launched for the first time in 1968, the pilgrimage to Our Lady of Fatima in Luxembourg is the expression of intense religious and popular fervor. It's also the occasion for a family celebration, combining cultural and religious traditions with community folklore.

On Ascension Day, a mass is celebrated in the Wiltz church. The religious ceremony continues with a procession to the shrine of Our Lady of Fatima high above the town.

Our Lady of Fatima

The pilgrimage to Our Lady of Fatima in Luxembourg is an expression of deep religious devotion.

It was born in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917, when the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children. On several occasions, Mary delivered messages of peace, repentance and hope. Since then, Our Lady of Fatima has attracted millions of pilgrims each year to holy sites around the world in search of spiritual comfort.

The pilgrimage is a time for reflection, prayer and introspection. Many participants carry candles, rosaries and banners, symbolizing their devotion to the Virgin Mary. Along the way, pilgrims sing hymns, recite the rosary and pray for peace, healing and 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 homage to their roots. They have a deep bond with their cultural identity.

Luxembourg Cathedral hosts the region's largest pilgrimage during Oktav fortnight.

Don't miss the Echternach dancing procession, a unique pilgrimage that has been recognized by Unesco.