The religious city of Popenguine is once again preparing to resonate with the rhythm of songs, prayers, and the footsteps of pilgrims. From May 23 to 25, 2026, thousands of Catholic faithful from all regions of Senegal and the sub-region will participate in this major spiritual event, considered one of the largest Catholic gatherings in West Africa.

This year's 138th edition, themed "Have no fear, Mary, for you have found favor with God," holds a special place in the national calendar. The Diocese of Ziguinchor is the featured diocese. The solemn Mass will be presided over by Bishop Jean-Baptiste Valter Manga and will be enlivened by the diocese's choirs.

An old story, over a century old

The Marian pilgrimage to Popenguine has its roots in the deep history of the Catholic Church in Senegal. The first pilgrimage took place on May 22, 1888, under the presidency of Bishop Mathurin Picarda, then Apostolic Vicar of Senegambia. The initial objective was to dedicate a place of prayer and devotion to the Virgin Mary in this small coastal town located about sixty kilometers from Dakar. This first gathering officially marked the launch of the sanctuary's activities.

Created at the end of the 19th century, the pilgrimage is today a major event in Senegalese spiritual life and a powerful symbol of community. Every year, on the occasion of Pentecost, thousands of faithful converge on the Marian shrine to pray, entrust themselves to the Virgin Mary, and experience a profound moment of communion.

The pilgrimage walk: an act of faith and sacrifice

Beyond the Eucharistic celebrations and vigils, the pilgrim walk remains one of the most striking features of the event. Officially launched on a large scale by the late Colonel Pierre Faye in 1981, this spiritual journey—which greatly contributes to the visibility of the gathering—was initially initiated with only 52 walkers following in the footsteps of the pilgrimage's founder, Bishop Mathurin Picarda.

Today, the pilgrimage walk has become a true school of faith and endurance, attracting tens of thousands of people. Faithful from various dioceses (Dakar, Thiès, Kaolack, Saint-Louis, Ziguinchor, Kolda and Tambacounda) travel many kilometers on foot, often from Dakar, Thiès or Mbour, in a spirit of sacrifice, prayer and fraternity.

The young people, grouped into diocesan delegations, travel these distances as a true Stations of the Cross and a path of purification before arriving at the sanctuary. This deeply rooted tradition gives the pilgrimage a strong popular and communal dimension, where faith is lived through physical exertion and solidarity.

In a sometimes volatile sub-regional context, the Church once again invites the faithful this year to pray fervently for peace in Senegal and neighboring countries, entrusting to Our Lady of Popenguine their aspirations for stability and harmony. 138 years after its creation, the Popenguine pilgrimage remains a gathering of hope and dialogue, where the walk to the sanctuary symbolizes the journey of an entire people toward unity.