Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney urged Catholics to pray for peace through Our Lady of Fatima during this time of war, unrest, and injustice in the world, while celebrating a Mass at the National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Asbury, N.J., on Aug. 13.
That day, Bishop Sweeney helped the shrine observe the 108th anniversary of the fourth apparition of the Blessed Mother at Fatima, Portugal. She appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima six times in 1917.
The event with Bishop Sweeney also marked the celebration of the Jubilee of Hope 2025, which the Universal Church is observing. Concelebrants of the Mass included priests from around the Paterson Diocese and beyond.
From around the diocese and the state, up to 1,800 pilgrims attended the Mass.
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In his homily, Bishop Sweeney spoke about some war and suffering around the world, including the people of Gaza. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is encouraging dioceses to take up a special collection for the people in Gaza, he said.
Bishop Sweeney also urged Catholics to “witness on behalf of the unborn child and his or her mom and dad” and “holy families and a greater respect for the vocation of marriage and family life, vocations to priesthood, and consecrated religious life.”
“Let us be those pilgrims of hope, a great instrument of peace,” Bishop Sweeney.
The day began with confessions in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, followed by a rosary procession that carried the Our Lady of Fatima pilgrim virgin statue around the grounds of the shrine.
Then, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R) of New Jersey’s 4th District spoke about Our Lady of Fatima’s central message of prayer, penance, and conversion, which he called not only “life changing,” but also “world changing.” He also said the shrine is “an oasis of renewal, of forgiveness, and reconciliation.”
Smith encouraged Catholics “to pray as never before, as you’re doing, that God pours out his Spirit upon our country, our world, our leaders in Washington, and all of our state capitals to truly be men and women who respect and are thinking of every human life.”
The day also included a Eucharistic procession, Benediction, blessing of religious articles, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and enrollment in the Brown Scapular. The event ended with a “Fatima farewell,” during which pilgrims sang a song and waved white handkerchiefs as the statue departed.
The World Apostolate of Fatima USA operates the National Blue Mary Shrine. The shrine has also been designated as a place of pilgrimage during the Jubilee Year of Hope.
On social media, the Blue Army Shrine stated that it was “honored” to welcome Bishop Sweeney and Smith for the Aug. 13 celebration.
“May Our Lady of Fatima continue to guide and protect our country and spread the peace of Christ to the whole world,” the shrine posted online.
More information: visit bluearmyshrine.com
