With just days to go before the 138th Marian pilgrimage to Popenguine, the administrative authorities and the organizing committee expressed their satisfaction with the progress of the preparations. A site visit confirmed that the commitments made during the preparatory meetings have been largely met.

The chairman of the pilgrimage organisation committee, Abbé Augustin Sébastien Mamadou Diouf, indicated that the plan is entering its final stages, following a follow-up meeting held on site with the governor, the prefect and the sub-prefect.

According to him, the purpose of this visit was to assess the progress of the facilities, including the parking lots, the walkers' village and the various facilities intended to accommodate the faithful.

"I think this visit comes at just the right time to be able to report to the committee. We are always on the lookout because the work started a long time ago, but it will continue throughout the pilgrimage and even after, because it will necessarily be necessary to evaluate. And there, we are really satisfied with everything that has been done," he rejoiced, affirming that the pilgrims will be able to experience the celebrations in good conditions.

Father Augustin Sébastien Mamadou Diouf also stressed that volunteers have already been deployed on site for several days and that the committee remains mobilized before, during and after the event to ensure the smooth running of the pilgrimage and to evaluate it.

He also praised the commitment of the administrative authorities and the various services involved in the organization, while thanking the stakeholders mobilized for their availability.

Deputy Governor of the Thiès region, in charge of development, Ababacar Sadikh Niang explained that this field visit is part of the follow-up to the measures adopted during the Regional Development Committee held on April 30, 2026.

Authorities inspected several strategic sites, including three parking lots set up for the occasion, the pilgrims' village, and the new shrine. The deputy governor stated that he had personally observed that the commitments made by the various stakeholders had been translated into concrete actions.

He congratulated the administrative authorities, technical services, territorial executives as well as the defense and security forces for the measures taken to ensure pilgrims "the best possible conditions" during the three days of reflection and devotion.

While calling on stakeholders to maintain momentum and finalize the last details, he stressed the need to strengthen communication and coordination between the various focal points to ensure seamless organization.

Ababacar Sadikh Niang also reaffirmed the commitment of the State of Senegal to fully support the organization of this 2026 edition of the Marian pilgrimage of Popenguine.

Finally, the authorities and the organizing committee offered prayers for a successful celebration, but also for peace, stability and prosperity in Senegal.

"The State of Senegal, through its territorial branches, will take all necessary measures to ensure the successful organization of the 2026 Marian Pilgrimage of Popenguine. We also offer prayers for perfect organization. And we also receive prayers from all our faithful, from the organizing committee, prayers for peace, stability and prosperity in our country, for the benefit of all our fellow citizens," said the deputy governor of the Thiès region, in charge of development.