This May the Archdiocese of Newark will be visited by the Pilgrim Statue sent from the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Portugal. This visit is meant to be a moment of prayer, a renewal of our devotion to the Mother of Heaven, and an experience of extraordinary grace and blessing that comes from The Son of God and Son of Mary – Jesus Christ.

In 1946, the Diocese of Leiria-Fátima started a project that continues today: the pilgrim image of Our Lady of Fátima. On that occasion, Sister Lúcia, one of the Fatima visionaries, spoke directly to José Thedim and gave him exact indications about the figure of the Lady who had appeared to her.  It is the one that most resembles the Lady Brighter than the Sun contemplated by Sr. Lucia in 1917 at Cova da Iria.  On May 13, 1947, it was then that the new image of Fatima, the pilgrim image, set out, for the first time, on a pilgrimage around the world.

Candlelight Procession Video

PHOTOS

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF FATIMA

Saint James the Apostle Church

Blessed Virgin Mary of Fatima, with gratitude for your motherly presence we unite our voice to that of all generations who call you Blessed.  We celebrate in you the great works of God, who never tires of reaching to man with mercy to heal and save him.
O Mary, Immaculate Virgin, to you we entrust our hearts, our families, and our communities of faith.  Virgin Mary of Fatima, with a mother’s kindness, receive the act of entrustment we make to you.
We are certain that each one of us is precious in your eyes, and that nothing we hold in our hearts is insignificant to you.  May we let ourselves be looked upon by your most sweet gaze and may we receive the consoling touch of your smile.  
Mother of the Church, enlighten the People of God on the paths of faith, hope, and charity.
Our Lady of Fatima, to you do we entrust our Saint James the Apostle family, in this our Centennial Year. Cover our parishioners with your mantle of protection and grace.  Help us to follow your example of steadfast fidelity to the will of the Father, and like you, may we remain loyal followers of your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord.
In Your Immaculate Heart may the light of hope be unveiled to all.  Amen