Dozens of faithful gathered at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa Nov. 15 to venerate the International Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima. The statue visited several parishes around the Diocese of Honolulu this month. (HCH photos | Darlene Dela Cruz)
On Nov. 11 at 7 a.m. our parish of Our Lady of Sorrows in Wahiawa was blessed to welcome the International Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima. The statue has been on pilgrimage throughout the world since 1947.
This is not just a visit of a statue but, in a real sense, a visit of the one whom the statue represents, Our Lady of Fatima. She comes to remind us of her message of prayer and repentance. Turning to her Immaculate Heart, we know she leads us closer to the Heart of her Son, Jesus Christ.
The Knights of Columbus accompanied the procession, with parishioners holding lighted candles. After singing the opening hymn “Our Lady of Fatima,” the congregation offered the candles. Sacred Hearts Father Richard McNally crowned the statue and our Filipino Catholic Club led the rosary, a litany and more singing. Father McNally celebrated Mass at 8 a.m.
The custodian of the statue, who accompanies it wherever it goes, explained the message of Our Lady of Fatima. He said that the rosary and repentance leads us closer to Jesus Christ.
Besides the privilege of being in the presence of the statue of the Our Lady of Fatima, the solemn blessing and distribution of scapulars were added gifts. The scapular consists of two pieces of brown cloth connected by cords and worn over the neck. On it is a picture of Our Lady.
Wearing a scapular demonstrates a special devotion to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, which is the name of the church that stands where Our Lady appeared in Fatima. If anyone wears it with sincere devotion, petitions are granted. Anyone who dies wearing the scapular enters Heaven, because a devotee of Our Lady of Fatima pledges repentance of sins. When we pray, “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen,” Our Blessed Mother Mary always prays for us to Jesus, and Jesus listens to his mother.
The exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament were uplifting parts of the celebration. Vigil time with the rosary by different ministry groups continued from 1 to 9 p.m. It was our very best to spend time with Our Lady of Fatima as she continues on her journey delivering her message all over the world.
