PILGRIMS ON ROAD; COURTYARD LEADING TO SHRINE.(TELERECORDING)




Initials RGM/EURO-TR(RTP)AS/EEH



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Background: HUNDREDS OF PILGRIMS, SOAKED BY A STEADY FALL OR RAIN, TREKKED ON FOOT TODAY (THURSDAY) TO THE SHRINE AT THE ISOLATED PORTUGUESE VILLAGE OF FATIMA WHERE POPE PAUL WILL PRAY FOR PEACE ON SATURDAY (MAY 18).

THE PILGRIMS AND THE POPE WILL GO TO THE SHRINE TO MARK THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MOMENT WHEN THE VIRGIN MARY IS SAID TO HAVE APPEARED TO THREE SHEPHERD CHILDREN.

SOME OF THE PILGRIMS -- WHO HAVE TRAVELLED FROM MANY COUNTRIES AND FROM THROUGHOUT PORTUGAL -- WILL GO THE LAST 50 YARDS (METRES) OF THE JOURNEY ON THEIR KNEES.

SPANISH WORKERS TODAY WERE STILL ERECTING PREFABRICATED HUTS OVER THE MUD NEXT TO THE SANCTUARY'S BASILICA, BUILT ON THE EXACT SPOT WHERE THE VISIONS ARE SAID TO HAVE APPEARED.

POPE PAUL WILL MEET THE PORTUGUESE PRIME MINISTER, DR. SALAZAR, DURING HIS VISIT.