The World Apostolate of Fatima in England and Wales (WAF) is arranging a weekend event at St Mary’s Cathedral as part of the celebrations for the centenary of the Fatima Five First Saturdays devotion.
The Pilgrim Virgin Statue and Relics of Saints Jacinta and Francisco will visit Middlesbrough on Saturday June 7 and Sunday June 8.
In 2017, the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue and relics of the two saints visited churches throughout the country, including in Middlesbrough, Hull and York.
This latest event is a particular remembrance of the apparition to Sister Lucia, the oldest Fatima seer, which took place in December 1925 when she was a postulant with the Sisters of St Dorothy at Pontevedra, Spain.
The Blessed Virgin appeared with the Child Jesus and gave more details of the devotion of reparation which she had mentioned to the shepherd children during the July 1917 apparition.
This devotion relates to the conversion of Russia and ultimately with world peace, which is why WAF is promoting it so strongly during the centenary year, with our world so much in need of peace.
It is also providential that this celebration coincidences with the larger celebration of the Church’s Jubilee Year, which has the theme of “Pilgrims of Hope”.
The weekend visitation will include events including:
- Procession of the Fatima Pilgrim Virgin Statue
- Enthronement and crowning of the Fatima statue
- Mass celebrated by Bishop Terry
- The opportunity to venerate the relics of St Jacinta and St Francisco
- Praying the Rosary for the intention of world peace
- During breaks, a book table will be available for browsing and purchases
- Talks and videos about Fatima
- Enrolment in the Brown Scapular devotion
- Holy Hour and Benediction
We need people to join our organisation to promote Fatima and the teachings of the Church. Visit worldfatima-englandwales.org.uk/ for more details.
Please make a note of the visitation and tell your friends and fellow parishioners about this important event.
If you can help with the programme in any way, please email membership@waf-ew.org.uk.
You can learn more details about the Five First Saturdays devotion at worldfatima-englandwales.org.uk.
Donal Anthony Foley
WAF England & Wales Committee