Dear Members,
In August 1917, the apparition of Our Lady was interrupted when the local administrator, Artur Santos, abducted the seers on August 13th. He took them to Ourém in an attempt to force them to reveal the secret and denounce the apparitions. Although they were not physically harmed, the children were threatened and were prepared to die for their faith—such was their total trust in God.
As a result, the August apparition of Our Lady took place instead on the 19th of the month, at a place called Valinhos. Furthermore, as a consequence of this abduction, Our Lady mentioned that the promised miracle on 13 October 1917 would not be as great. I have often wondered what the original miracle would have been, given that the actual event was witnessed by 70,000 people who saw the sun dance on that day!
Perhaps the message we can take from the events surrounding the abduction of the children is to persevere in our own trials. When we feel challenged, we must—like the three little seers—put our total trust in God’s providence. We do so with the knowledge that Our Holy Mother’s Immaculate Heart will be our refuge and the way that will lead us to her Son, Jesus.
This month we have a number of important notices. One in particular urgently needs your prayers, asking Our Holy Mother to guide us as we seek a new National Spiritual Director.
We are also releasing details for the National Pilgrimage to Fatima, planned for September 10–17, 2027, and are seeking initial expressions of interest so we can assess pilgrim numbers. Further details are given below along with other important notices.
Notices
1. Prayer Intention for the Vacant Position of National Spiritual Director (Novena: 7–15 August 2026)
We would deeply appreciate it if you would pray a novena from August 7th to 15th, leading up to the Feast of the Assumption Our Lady on August 16th, for a new National Spiritual Director to succeed the late Canon Jason Jones. Brother Oliver has provided a prayer that can be used daily during this Novena, followed by the Rosary. [Click here for Novena Prayer]
2. National Fatima Pilgrimage (10–17 September 2027)
See the poster for outline details and contact information for the pilgrimage organizer (Patrick Cunningham), whom you should contact to register your interest. [Link to Poster]
See guidance notes, including the itinerary and details of the optional day trip to Lisbon: [Link to Guidance Notes]
To keep costs as low as possible, pilgrims will be responsible for booking their own flights from their chosen airport. Suggested flights and times are indicated in the pilgrimage details.
3. Promoter Formation On-Line TEAMS Meeting (17 August 2026, commencing at 7:00 PM)
The Promoters' formation meetings are proving very popular and feature highly i
nformative talks from guest speakers. This month’s talk is by Fr Thomas Hiney, WAF-E&W Spiritual director for Portsmouth diocese regarding the sanctification of our daily duties. For details, please see the poster: [Link to Poster]
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/394213304436714?p=KzJpTlC93mwuBc9iLv
Meeting ID: 394 213 304 436 714
Passcode: c9jt3nn7
4. WAF-E&W AGM (20 November 2026)
This year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held at Belmont Abbey. Members will also have a wonderful opportunity to meet Sister Angela de Fátima Coelho. Reservations can be made by scanning the QR code on the poster: [Link to Poster/Registration]
5. First Saturdays Symposium – Guest Speakers: Sr. Angela de Fátima Coelho and Fr. Lawrence Lew OP
Bookings are now open. You can register by scanning the QR Code on the respective posters below:
Belmont Abbey: Saturday, 21 November 2026 [Link to Belmont Abbey Booking]
London: Sunday, 22 November 2026 [Link to London Booking]
6. Cathedral / Parish Visitations
For dates of up-coming cathedral and parish visitations see (link)
Yours devotedly in Christ and in the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Patrick Cunningham
National President WAF-E&W
