The 138th Marian pilgrimage to Popenguine, which began yesterday, May 23rd, continues this Sunday, May 24th, until Monday, May 25th, 2026, under the theme: "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." More than 24,000 young pilgrims are currently converging on the Shrine of Our Lady of Deliverance, divided into three sections, demonstrating the fervor and hope of Senegalese youth.

Three sections of walking towards Popenguine

Since this morning, these thousands of young people have set off for the Marian shrine of Our Lady of Popenguine, following in the footsteps of Mary.

Pilgrims arrive via three main routes: from Mbour, they come from the dioceses of Kaolack and Tambacounda, as well as from the parishes of Mbour (Archdiocese of Dakar). From Allou Kagne-Diass, they come from the dioceses of Thiès and Saint-Louis. Pilgrims from Dakar (Archdiocese) and those from the Diocese of Ziguinchor enter via Toubab Dialaw. Ziguinchor is being honored this year with an official Mass presided over by Bishop Jean-Baptiste Valter Manga of Ziguinchor.

A spiritual and fraternal walk

The Mass for the send-off of the walkers, celebrated yesterday, Saturday, May 23, at Cap des Biches, marked the solemn departure of the pilgrims from Dakar and Ziguinchor. In an atmosphere of prayer, song, and fervor, the young walkers received a blessing before setting off for Popenguine. This celebration set the tone for a pilgrimage marked by faith, hope, and fraternal communion.

Father Paul Mandika, deputy director of the Archbishop of Dakar's works, had previously reminded everyone that the pilgrimage is first and foremost a spiritual journey. It rests on five essential pillars: reconciliation through the sacrament of confession, participation in the Eucharist, a personal encounter with the Lord, the Rosary, and fraternal communion among the faithful. According to him, these practices allow pilgrims to fully experience their encounter with God through Mary.

Enhanced organization and security

Father Augustin Sébastien Mamadou Diouf, president of the organizing committee, confirmed that the reception and security arrangements are finalized. More than 80,000 badges have been printed for pilgrims, including 26,000 for walkers, and pagodas and tents have been set up to accommodate the growing crowds.

This pilgrimage remains a powerful moment of faith and national communion, where young people walk behind Mary to pray for peace in Casamance, Senegal and the world.