CK Diocese welcomes pilgrim statue of Our Lady of Fatima 

For 68 years the statue of Our Lady of Fatima has traveled the world, bringing with it hope for our salvation and a stronger sense of camaraderie among parishioners. The Diocese of Chalan Kanoa welcomed the return of the historic International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima on its second visits to the island last week.

Hundreds filled the Mt. Carmel Cathedral last Sunday for the welcoming Mass, according to overall coordinator Sr. Emma Lusterio.

Mt. Carmel Cathedral parishioners view the International Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima. The statue is on its second visit to the island. (Thomas A. Manglona II)

“It was such a blessing to see one of the instruments that brings people closer to God,” she said. “The bond of parishioners, from different groups and ministries, and their faith was strengthened by the visit of Our Lady of Fatima.”

The international pilgrim statue also visited Kristo Rai Parish, San Jose Parish, San Roque Parish, San Antonio Parish, the Commonwealth Health Center’s Chapel, and Maturana House of Prayer.

San Roque Church coordinator Del Babauta said people’s spirits were lifted when the statue visited her parish. 

“We really felt the spirit when the statue entered the church. It is important that the visit was made because she is the mother of Jesus and Jesus and Mary go hand-in-hand,” she added. “It is very important to know about that and understand her message.”

Our Lady of Fatima’s visit concluded with a rosary and Mass on Ash Wednesday at Mount Carmel Cathedral. Mount Carmel School students, faculty, and staff paid their respects to the statue and participated in the liturgical celebration.

The statue’s escort, Patrick Sabat, has accompanied Our Lady of Fatima for nearly a decade. In his address to Mount Carmel Students, Sabat told the youth that the statue is a “reminder that we need to pray, because she wants us to always be in communion with God.”

“She brings a message of prayer, hope and peace.This is the reason why we are still traveling the world. She reminds us that God will never fail us. I believe that I am not her escort, but that she is my escort to God.”

The Our Lady of Fatima pilgrim statue last graced local churches with her presence in 2011.

In the presence of over 100,000 pilgrims, in October 1947, Bishop Leiria blessed the statue at Fatima, Portugal. To this date, the statue has visited more than 100 countries, including Russia and China.