Archbishop Richard Moth, President of the CBCEW, welcomed and blessed the National Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fátima and the Relics of Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto. In his homily, he encouraged the faithful throughout England and Wales to heed the call of the Immaculate Heart of Mary by praying daily for peace through the Holy Rosary. He also expressed his gratitude to Rev Fr Richard Nesbitt, National Spiritual Director of the World Apostolate of Fatima England and Wales (WAF E&W), for his unwavering commitment to spreading the enduring and relevant message of Our Lady of Fátima. The Cathedral was filled to near capacity throughout the five-hour programme, which combined prayer, devotion, and formation. Fr Richard reflected on the spirituality and witness of Saints Francisco and Jacinta before their sacred relics were reverently held aloft and used to bless the congregation. Oliver Abasolo, Lead for the First Saturdays Devotion of Reparation, spoke on the importance of making reparation and reflected on the challenges facing the wider acceptance of this devotion within the Church today, particularly amid a diminishing awareness of sin and the need for conversion. Towards the conclusion of the celebration, many faithful were enrolled and invested in the Brown Scapular. The liturgy was greatly enriched by the heavenly voices of the Sinag Himig Chorale, whose sacred music elevated the prayerful atmosphere of the occasion. The Knights of St Columba provided a faithful and dignified guard of honour for the Pilgrim Statue and the Relics throughout the celebration. Special recognition is also due to Rev Fr Patrick van der Vorst, Cathedral Precentor, together with the clergy and staff of Westminster Cathedral, whose careful preparation, generous support, and dedication helped ensure a reverent, dignified, and joyful celebration. Numerous volunteers from the World Apostolate of Fatima within the Dioceses of Westminster and Southwark also offered their time and sacrifices in service to the event. Their contributions included stewarding pilgrims, assisting with collections, distributing Brown Scapulars, decorating the bier of Our Lady, and providing refreshments for the choir. It is hoped that the First Saturdays Devotion of Reparation will become a regular observance at Westminster Cathedral. After all, this devotion remains Heaven's Peace Plan for our troubled world. May the Immaculate Heart of Mary be your refuge and the way that leads you to God. While the pilgrimage of the Cathedral Visitations has now come to its conclusion, the requests of Our Lady remain. The pilgrimage may have ended, but the mission continues. "In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph." Our Lady of Fàtima, pray for us. Ss Francisco and Jacinta Marto, pray for us. Venerable Sister Lucia, pray for us. Ave Maria. Videos: Fatima Prayer Day (2) Facebook
Rev Fr Uche Njoku, Parish Priest, reverently received, crowned, and blessed the Pilgrim Statue and the sacred Relics. It was a particularly moving occasion, as this very statue was commissioned in St Joseph's more than ten years ago before beginning its pilgrimage to countless parishes throughout England and Wales. To welcome her home, even for a short time, was a special grace for the parish community. Our sincere thanks go to everyone who came to honour Our Lady, including those who travelled from neighbouring parishes across the Diocese. We are especially grateful to Anne, Frederick, and all the parish volunteers whose generosity, dedication, and hard work made this beautiful visitation possible. May the Lord reward them abundantly. As the message of Fátima continues to touch hearts, we pray that the First Saturday Devotion of Reparation may take deep root within the parish, and that the Home Pilgrim Statue Visitation Programme may bring Our Lady's maternal presence, peace, and call to prayer into the homes of many families. May the Immaculate Heart of Mary be our refuge, our comfort, and the sure path that leads us ever closer to God. "My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the way that will lead you to God." — Our Lady of Fátima. Our Lady of Fàtima, pray for us. St Francisco Marto, pray for us. St Jacinta Marto, pray for us. St Joseph, pray for us. Venerable Sr Lucia, pray for us.
World Apostolate of Fatima England and Wales
Traditionally, the Church has spoken of herself in three ways: the Church Militant, those of us still struggling and striving here on earth; the Church Suffering, the souls undergoing purification in Purgatory; and the Church Triumphant, the Saints already rejoicing in Heaven. But these aren’t three different Churches. We are one Church, one Body of Christ. Death doesn’t sever the bonds between us. Those who have died haven’t simply disappeared from the Christian family. We are still united to them, still able to help them and, wonderfully, still able to be helped by their prayers.
