According to a report by Vatican Radio, St Peter’s third ‘Light of Faith’ tour takes place just ahead of Pope Francis’ visit to Fátima to mark the 100th anniversary of the Marian apparitions there.
The Pope will make a pilgrimage to the Portuguese town on May 12 and 13.
St. Peter’s Cricket Club, made up of priests and seminarians of different nationalities studying for the priesthood in Rome, travelled to Lisbon on Wednesday.
During their four-day tour, players will be hosted by the municipal council and people of Miranda do Corvo, near the historic university city of Coimbra.
St Peter’s manager, Father Eamonn O’Higgins, spiritual director of the Maria Mater Ecclesiae Pontifical College in Rome, said he was invited by the Miranda do Corvo Cricket Club which wanted the team to come to Portugal for the 100th anniversary of the Fátima apparitions.
Originally the hosts were keen for the team to arrive with Pope Francis during his pastoral visit.
Fr Eamonn also told Vatican Radio that while this “would have made a great photo opportunity”, it was decided “for pastoral reasons” to travel a few weeks ahead of the Pope, and “in some small way, to promote the Holy Father’s visit in May”.