Since 1947, the renowned International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Fatima has been touring to bring the message of Our Lady of Fatima to the world. On Wednesday, February 16, St. Stephen the First Martyr Church will be featuring a visitation of the statue.
Deacon Bob Bridwell, coordinator for the event, said, “We are planning a day long event that starts with a procession of the Statue and Mass, a talk by the statue’s custodian and a healing service. At noon there will be Adoration, followed by the Rosary and prayer and meditation throughout the day. The evening will begin with prayer of the Rosary (in Spanish) followed by Holy Hour and benediction.”
Our Lady of Fatima (formally known as Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Fatima)
Reported in 1917 by three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, the visitation by the Holy Mother was given standing by the local bishop and later by Pope Pius XII with a pontifical decree of canonical coronation by papal bull. The coronation was performed by papal legate in 1946 and permanently enshrined in 1946 with a venerated image at the Basilica of Fatima.
The memoirs of Sister Lucia (one of the children) were published in the 1930s, revealing two secrets that she reported came from the Virgin Mary, while the third secret was to be revealed by the Catholic Church in 1960. The story of Our Lady of Fatima is resplendent with exceptional devotion, traditions and even geopolitical implications.
The church will open at 8:00 am with Mass at 8:30 pm. All visitors are welcome for services, prayers and viewing. Following the morning Mass and presentation, there will be a healing service for the sick and infirmed.
Schedule of events
8:30 AM - Procession and Mass
9:15 AM - Presentation by Custodian of the Statue
10:00 AM - Healing Service
11:00 AM - Scapular Enrollment
12:00 PM - Exposition and Adoration followed by Prayer of Fatima, Rosary and Litany of Our Lady of Fatima Prayer & Meditation
3:30 PM - Prayer of Fatima, Rosary and Litany of Our Lady of Fatima (English) Prayer & Meditation
5:30 PM - Prayer of Fatima, Rosary and Litany of Our Lady of Fatima (Spanish)
6:30 PM - Holy Hour and Benediction (bilingual)
7:30 PM - Farewell Presentation (bilingual)
- Healing Blessing (Deacons)
- Final Prayer
- Closing Remarks
- Recitation of Consecration of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
- Marian Hymn and Recession
All are welcome. A table with religious articles will be available during the activities.