The risk of faith: The path of Fatima – TSF Online

Thousands of pilgrims walk to Fatima from all over the country. For those coming from the north, the route is mainly on the shoulders of the IC2 or the old N1, where accidents are common.

A little over one year in Cernache (Coimbra) five pilgrims were trampled to death as they walked at dawn. At the site, one of the two automobile lanes was closed to make way for pilgrims, but the site remains hazardous in case of skidding or hand outs.

Miguel Midões reporter accompanied a group of pilgrims near Cernache (Coimbra)

the route of the Camino de Santiago can be an alternative and is even marked in blue in the opposite direction, indicating Fatima. But because it is farther away, the bulk of the pilgrims still prefer risk.

Humberto Braga is parked in Cernache, to support a group of Paredes pilgrims, a few meters from IC2 curve where about a nine year pilgrims were trampled. “It was right here below. Here there is an area which is dangerous. They came early in the morning.” So promises, “we never walked at dawn, always walk day”

In the group of 80 pilgrims come Glory Carneiro, Paços de Ferreira.. We meet her eyes on the road. “You have to be careful. I have a friend who comes to me and is always making me gesture to go to the edge, because sometimes I go to sing and I’m half distracted,” he confesses.

And it’s these distractions that speaks Mário Sousa, after 90 km way from Santa Maria da Feira. “There are people who respect, others do not. There is still lack of civility on the part of drivers, but there are also who walks. Sometimes I see pilgrims are watching the cars and stay in the lane. There is everything” guarantees .

António Taveira stopped in last year’s crash site to pray the five fatalities. Points an alternative to IC2 for those coming from the north:.. “I made the paths of Santiago contrary I think everyone should do it to escape this noise and this danger”

As the pilgrims pass by the local leave flowers, candles, jackets or caps to remember the victims, who were part of a group of 80 pilgrims from Mortágua. Nine were run over, four died on the spot and one died en route to hospital. Pilgrims continue with intensity, going on site. Just between Cernache and Coimbra, about 10 km, TSF said 243 walkers.