Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima

CLIFTON  Through the intercession of the Blessed Mother, Catholics find inspiration and are led closer to Jesus. During the week of Nov. 14-20, the faithful of the Paterson Diocese will have a special opportunity to spend time with Our Lady at the 14 parishes that will host the United Nations International Statue of Our Lady of Fatima. The visit will conclude the Diocesan celebration of the Year of Mercy as requested by Bishop Serratelli.

“In the Year of Mercy and with the 100th anniversary of the apparitions at Fatima next year,” the Bishop said, “we have the wonderful opportunity to host the United Nations International Statue of Our Lady of Fatima. We will have the distinct opportunity not only to come in prayer but to share the gift of Fatima.”

The Blessed Mother who first appeared at Fatima, Portugal on May 13, 1917 to three children telling them not to be afraid, make a sacrifice for sinners and pray. The prayer for sinners is the prayer said after each decade of the rosary.

Pope Pius XII blessed the statue that is visiting the Paterson Diocese, on May 13, 1947. On Oct. 13, 1952, the bishop of Fatima blessed the statue for its mission to the United Nations. On Dec. 8, 1952, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception it was brought forward to the meditation room at the United Nations where the Rosary was recited. Since that time, the UN International Pilgrim Statue has been part of the World Apostolate of Fatima.

Relics — a piece of holm-Oak tree on which the Blessed Mother appeared and relics of Ss. Jacinta and Francesco, two of the three children, to whom the Blessed Mother appeared to in Fatima — will accompany the pilgrim statue as it makes a way through the Paterson Diocese. The remains will be in a small gold reliquary that can be used to bring hope and healing and the Fatima story to everyone including children.

Father Michael Rodak, diocesan director of pilgrimages and pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace in West Milford, coordinated the visitation. “Simply, we are fortunate to come to seek Our Lady’s intercession,” he said. “The opportunity for the faithful to see the statue and relics is noteworthy and we, as a Diocese, hope that people make the pilgrimage to pray and seek the intercessory help of the Blessed Mother and the saints.”

Each parish will have different opportunities during the visit for the faithful to spend time with the pilgrim statue and to hold special Masses. Some parishes will offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation, recitation of the rosary and Divine Mercy chaplet, talks and presentations on Fatima, and praise and worship music.

For Father Rodak, the visit of the statue is exciting. “I’ve never been to Fatima so it’s like a piece of Fatima is coming to us and it’s just a awesome opportunity. There are so many reasons for people to see the statue. Foremost, for peace in the world, which was one of Our Lady’s messages. There are so many Christians being persecuted today. Also, for those who are in need of healing or have health issues, Our Lady is a healer.”

Of the 14 parishes the statue will visit, four of them have schools allowing elementary school students to spend time in prayer with the Blessed Mother. “It’s always a special story, the story of Fatima to children because that is who Our Lady appeared to. Children have a special place in the hearts of our Blessed Mother and Our Lord,” said Father Rodak.

Judith Studer is the custodian of the statue and relics for the week and she will have items for purchase to continue the mission of the statue in other area of the country.

The Bishop said, “Let us pray that many spiritual benefits will flow to the faithful who come to pray and venerate the statue and relics. Through Our Lady’s intercession, may we witness an outpouring of grace and healing for our families, our Church and our world.”