The National Pilgrim image of Our Lady of Fatima was carried on her andas, during the procession towards the Shrine of Our Lady of Aranzazu. Photo: Mark Hepuller / MPIM
SAN MATEO, RIZAL – The parishioners of San Mateo, Rizal expressed their warm hospitality and devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, by attending the devotional activities prepared for her, during her visit at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu last November 11 to 14.
The image brought to our parish is the National Pilgrim image of Our Lady of Fatima from her National Shrine in Marulas, Valenzuela City. Daily recitation of the Holy Rosary took place before the image. The incensation to Our Lady of Fatima’s statue, and the Salve Regina was sung in all the Sunday masses. On Monday, November 13; students, teachers, and staffs of NSDA Parochial School held a rosary vigil the whole day.
Sis. Raquel Ortega (DSPNDA Worship Ministry Coordinator) shared her own reflection and experiences during the centennial visit of Our Lady of Fatima:
“Like a child who eagerly waited for her mother’s arrival, I see the visit of the Our Lady of Fatima to the parish as something that quenched the thirst of her children for motherly affection. It draws the faithful to a special bonding to the mother of the risen Lord who shares so much of her own affection to her Son, to the children whom the Lord has entrusted to her care.”
The coronation of the image of Our Lady of Fatima as part of welcoming rites. (Photo: KaRuben / NSOLF Facebook page)
“Her visit to the parish will leave a special place in the hearts of those who wants to feel the maternal care manifested through the many miracles our mother Mary.” She added.
Another Marian devotee Bro. Cristopher Rivera testified that he felt the loving embrace of the Virgin Mary.
Bro. Christopher Rivera with the National Pilgrim image of Our Lady of Fatima
“Being a devotee of Our Lady of Aranzazu, I was inspired upon seeing the national pilgrim image of Our Lady of Fatima in our parish. I feel her maternal love and presence during that night. I also pray to visit her apparition site in Portugal someday.” Rivera said.
A group of devotees from the neighboring town also venerated Our Lady of Fatima as they pray the Holy Rosary and offered a bouquet of flowers led by Bro. Patrick Capili together with his companion.
“I have a great devotion to Our Lady of Fatima. In fact, I personally visited the Basilica of Fatima in Portugal several times when I studied there for one year. I intentionally visited the National Pilgrim image of Fatima in your parish when we heard the news about the centennial visit here in San Mateo. We prayed the joyful mystery and offered a bouquet of flowers.” Capili said.
“Pope Francis also announced that the faithful can get a plenary indulgence if they make a pilgrimage and pray before an image of Our Lady of Fatima.”
Bro. Patrick added that aside from their personal devotion to Fatima, this year is very significant because it is the 100th anniversary of her apparition in Portugal.
Bro. Patrick Capili presenting a flower bouquet before the image of Our Lady of Fatima.
A farewell mass took place on Tuesday, November 14 at 10 a.m., the centennial visit of Our Lady of Fatima is a constant reminder to all the faithful, to fulfill the message of Our Lady in Fatima, one hundred years ago. To make sacrifices, to repent, and to pray the rosary each day to obtain peace in the whole world.
Dear Lady of Fatima, Pray for us!
Christian Jasper Robles
Senior Writer, Website Team - Media Ministry
Christian is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Communication at Colegio de San Juan de Letran. He is a member of the writer’s team of Aranzazu Media and Public Information Ministry. A singer, performer, writer, church servant, and a Marian devotee. Currently, he is the secretary of Association of Our Lady of Aranzazu- Cofradia and member of Avant-Garde Singers. Passionate about writing different local religious traditions and Mariology matters; Christian is strongly dedicated in promoting and propagating the devotion to Our Lady of Aranzazu.
