April 28, 2017

Events to celebrate 100th anniversary of the first Marian apparition in Fatima

A traveling replica of the Our Lady of Fatima statue at the shrine in Portugal stands on the altar of St. Paul Church of St. John Paul II Parish in Sellersburg on Aug. 25, 2016, during a national tour of the statue. (File photo by Natalie Hoefer)

A traveling replica of the Our Lady of Fatima statue at the shrine in Portugal stands on the altar of St. Paul Church of St. John Paul II Parish in Sellersburg on Aug. 25, 2016, during a national tour of the statue. (File photo by Natalie Hoefer)

Criterion staff report

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of the Blessed Mother to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, on the 13th day of each month from May through October in 1917.

Popes Benedict and Francis have a strong devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, as did St. John Paul II, who believed it was Our Lady of Fatima who saved his life during a close-range assassination attempt on May 13, 1981. In June 2000, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith declared Fatima to be “undoubtedly the most prophetic of modern apparitions.”

Several events in the archdiocese commemorating the first of the Fatima apparitions 100 years ago have been reported to The Criterion. They are as follows:
 

  • May 11: Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House, 5353 E. 56th St., in Indianapolis, will offer two events. At 3 p.m., retired Father Jeffrey Godecker and Mary Schaffner, Fatima Retreat House associate director of spirituality ministries, will offer a reflection on “Your Life: Like a Rosary.” At 5 p.m., Mass will be celebrated in the retreat house’s Our Lady Chapel, followed by a reception with snacks and beverages.All are invited to come to the reflection, Mass or both. The events are free, but an RSVP is requested in order to provide adequate materials and food. To RSVP, call 317-545-7681.
     
  • May 12: St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, 7575 Holliday Dr. E., in Indianapolis, will show the family film The Miracle at Fatima in the school gym at 7 p.m. Bring your own seating and refreshments. Adults must accompany children junior high age and younger. For more information, call the parish office at 317-259-4373.
     
  • May 13: St. Joseph Parish, 312 E. High St., in Corydon, will host Dr. Rick E. Ginter speaking on “The Message of Fatima and the Victory Rosary of a New Evangelization” from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Ginter, a theologian, author and speaker, will discuss why the message of Fatima matters more than ever, and will share the most engaging way to pray the rosary. A light lunch will be provided. The event is free, but goodwill offerings will be accepted. Registration is required by May 9. To register, call 812-738-2742 or e-mail parish.office.@catholic-community.org.
     
  • May 13: St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, 7575 Holliday Dr. E., Indianapolis. will offer Mass at 8:15 a.m., followed by breakfast around 9 a.m., during which Criterion assistant editor and author John Shaughnessy will speak on “Unlikely Encounters and Unexpected Graces.” While the breakfast, which will be in the Father Courtney Room off the narthex, is free, those wishing to attend are asked to call the parish office at 317-259-4373 to RSVP. From 10:15-11 a.m., there will be the recitation of the rosary and other Marian prayers, and a procession of a statue of Our Lady of Fatima. For more information, call the parish office at 317-259-4373.

If your parish is hosting any events from June-October commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Fatima apparitions, details can be submitted either online by using the events submission form found at www.archindy.org under “Newspaper” then “Send Us Information,” or by calling 317-236-1585. †

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