Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney celebrated Mass on Aug. 13 at the National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Asbury, N.J.
Concelebrants of the Mass included priests from around the Paterson Diocese and beyond. The Mass marked the 107th anniversary of the four apparitions at Fatima, Portugal. The Blessed Mother appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima six times in 1917.
From around the diocese and the state, about 2,500 pilgrims attended the Mass. The shrine is operated by the World Apostolate of Fatima.
The Aug. 13 event started with the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation followed by a rosary procession with the carrying of the Our Lady of Fatima pilgrim virgin statue around the grounds of the shrine. Linda Maliani, gave a testimony during the celebration.
Afterward, Mass was held and then a Eucharistic procession and Benediction. The event ended with a “Fatima farewell,” during which pilgrims sang a song and waved white handkerchiefs as the statue departed.
BEACON PHOTOS | JENNIFER MAHON
