It was Sister Lucia, a visionary of the apparitions of Fatima, who indicated that the first Pilgrim Icon of Our Lady of Fatima should be built. It was offered by the Bishop of Leiria, D. José Alves de Correia da Silva, and later crowned solemnly by the Archbishop of Evora on May 13, 1947.

The origin of the Pilgrim Icon of Our Lady of Fatima goes back to 1945, the year of the end of World War II, when a parish priest of Berlin proposed that an image of Our Lady of Fatima should travel through all the capitals and episcopal cities of Europe, up to the border with Russia. In April 1946, a Luxembourg representative on the International Council of Catholic Youth took up the initial idea.

Thus, in 1947, exactly on the day of her coronation, the first journey began, having been on pilgrimage for half a century. After having visited 64 countries, the rectory of the Shrine of Fatima decided that the original Image should only leave on very special occasions. On December 8, 2003, solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, it was enthroned in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima, being placed on a column beside the main altar.

There are currently 13 replicas, which have been created to receive the numerous requests coming from all parts of the world. Its presence in the various countries presents very interesting phenomena: crowds and unexpected participation of penitents who come to its passage. In fact, there are many accounts of the significant pastoral fruits and abundant graces obtained.

Discover three curiosities about the Pilgrim Images:

1.          

During this year, 2023, the 12 Pilgrim Icons will travel 100,000 kilometres, transmitting a message of peace and love throughout three continents.

2.          

2. #AndaComMaria is an initiative that challenges young people to go on pilgrimage with the Pilgrim Icon of Our Lady of Fatima between July 27 and August 1, from the Shrine of Fatima to the World Youth Day Lisbon 2023.

3.          

The original Icon of the Pilgrim Virgin of Fatima traveled in 2019 to Panama to be present at World Youth Day.