Connection between Portuguese fishermen and Basilica's Fatima statues
An archival special from CBC Radio's The Broadcast
They fished cod off our shores, played soccer on the St. John's waterfront and sang their favourite songs downtown.
In 1955, 4,000 Portuguese fishermen walked in procession from the waterfront to the steps of the Roman Catholic Basilica. The Basilica was marking its centenary.
The fishermen had a gift to present in the form of a group of nine statues that comprise the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima.
Days earlier, vessels of the Portuguese White Fleet had begun to arrive in port from cod fishing on the Grand Banks.
Among them, the Gil Eannes, the mother ship of the fleet, on her maiden visit.
The national CBC Radio show "Canadian Scene" was there. Cast your mind back with this archival special from CBC Radio's The Broadcast.
The Broadcast can be heard weekdays at 6:05 pm on CBC Radio One.