SHRINE NEWS: Alleluia, Alleluia, The Lord has Risen, Truly He has Risen! A great and glorious day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! There are a few changes this month I want to bring to your attention; 1.) The First Saturday in April falls on Holy Saturday, so as a result we moved the First Saturday Devotion ahead one week from April 3rd to April 10th, which is the second Saturday of the month. The mass will be celebrated at the same time as usual at 9am; followed by our normal rosary, but during confession and rosary we will have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament with a focus on the Mercy of God for one hour. Then we will have coffee and. I am really looking forward to the warmer weather and perhaps having the coronavirus behind us. We are looking forward to having all those who were or who are unable to come, join us once again. There is alot going on around the shrine as demolition is starting on the lot next door as they begin to remove the school and rectory. The newly constructed apartments behind the church will be opening soon as construction has begun on the new condominium building near the hospital. I mention this because parking may be scarce until the new building behind the church opens. There is parking available to us behind the monastery, but you have to enter through the other road near the hospital to get there. There is still parking in the circle for those who come early. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our benefactors who have kept us going through this past year, because of your generosity we are able to continue at the shrine. I would also on behalf of the Crusaders of Fatima to wish everyone a Holy and Blessed Easter and Holy week. I hope all are able to make it to the Triduum in your local parishes for this is a special time of the liturgical year. It was this time last year when they closed down the churches and cancelled in person Holy week and Easter services so this year should be a little more special for those who are able to make the services. I would like to ask you for your prayers for the sick and those in most need at this time, and look forward to seeing everyone on the second Saturday of April. I am reminded of the October 13th apparition of Fatima, as depicted on the stained glass window in the shrine, how excited the children were when they heard from Our Lady that St. Joseph would come with the baby Jesus. Let us go to Joseph during this time, with any and all problems, whether to do with family life, the church, or work, Joseph will intercede for us and have our prayers answered. Please pray for our country and the world, it seems it is moving farther away from God. The Passion of our Lord begins on Holy Thursday with the Last Supper where He gave us the Eucharist as a memorial of His love for us and for the salvation of all the world.
FIRST SATURDAY:
On April 10th, we will celebrate First Saturday Mass and devotion at the Shrine. This is actually the Second Saturday of the month, but since the First Saturday falls on Holy Saturday we move it ahead by one week. We will have one hour of adoration after mass and while we say the rosary. We asked that you use your own judgement and stay home if you are sick or feel compromised because of a pre-existing condition in any way. We asked that you wear face masks and keep a healthy social distance from each other while at the shrine. We will have hand sanitizer on hand. Mass will begin at 9am; Rev. Richard Mwisheni SMA, will celebrate the mass.
SANTO ROSARIO: Santuario Nuestra Señora de Fátima. The Spanish Community of St. Columbkill’s Holy Rosary group meets at the shrine at 3pm every First Saturday of the month for song, prayer and fellowship would like to invite you to join them.
SUNDAY ROSARY FOR PEACE: A reminder that there is still a handful of us that meets at the shrine every Sunday to come together to pray for peace. We begin around 2pm, feel free to stop by.
REMINDER: A Pro-Life Rosary for our nation continues at the Shrine daily around noon all are welcomed; With a special attention given to the devotion of the Holy Face of Christ.
