Over the weekend, an estimated 180,000 members of Portugal's motorcycling community converged on the Fatima shrine for the so-called Blessing of the Helmets. Leather vests creaked as riders walked around the shrine dedicated to the three shepherd children who saw an apparition of the Holy Virgin. They participated in a talk on road security and faith, and attended Mass, some with their helmets lifted in order to receive the host. But the rally's highlight was the blessing, when priests walked through the sea of leather-clad pilgrims and sprinkled holy water on the helmets held aloft. "We make this pilgrimage every year because we have faith that she is always watching over us," 49-year-old Manuel Santos said.