World Apostolate of Fatima England and Wales

MARCH 2026 NEWSLETTER

O Our Lady of Fatima, My Mother gentle and true,  

As Lent draws near, I run to you. 

You taught the children long ago, how God’s great love still longs to grow. 

Help me feel that love today, and hear your whisper when I pray:  

“Offer everything to God above; each little act, each gift of love.” 

This holy Lent, when days feel long, when doing right feels tough, not strong 

O Mother, remind me penance is a way, to walk with my Loving Jesus every day.  

Lift me up when I fall down, and guide me with your shining crown 

To carry the Cross He had to bear, with tiny gifts of love and care. 

Lent invites us with Christ into the desert  

Our Lady of Fatima teaches us how to walk there… 

Suffering and Doing Penance: A Path To Love  

By Kathleen Too 

On the 13th May 1917 in Fatima, Our Lady explicitly asked the three shepherd children: “Are you willing to offer yourselves to God and bear all the sufferings He wills to send you, as an act of reparation for the sins by which He is offended, and of supplication for the conversion of sinners?” “Yes, we are willing.” was their replies. Little St Jacinta received many visits from the Blessed Virgin Mary before dying. Venerable Sr Lucia recalls one of the conversations where St Jacinta says: “...I want to suffer for love of Our Lord and for sinners. Anyway, I don’t mind! Our Lady will come to me there and take me to heaven.” At times she kissed and embraced a crucifix, exclaiming: “O my Jesus, I love You, and I want to suffer very much for love of You.” (Fatima in Lucia’s own words, vol 1, page 62.) 

Read more here...

MESSAGE FROM OUR NATIONAL PRESIDENT

NEW / RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

FOCUS ON FIRST SATURDAYS!

WAF AGM & VOLUNTEERS - URGENT APPEAL

FROM OUR NATIONAL SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR

FATIMA NOTICES BOARD

FATIMA ARTICLES

FATIMA GLOBAL NEWS FEATURE

EVENTS / VISITATIONS

DONATIONS

Dear WAF Members

As we emerge from the winter months, we look forward with renewed energy to our Centenary Cathedral celebrations. Our journey recommences with a visit to the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family in Westminster. In these challenging times, it is vital that we join together in prayer for peace in Ukraine, reflecting on a conflict now entering its fourth year.  

Sister Lucia, who spent her life in devotion, reminded us that peace is a fragile gift requiring our active participation; she viewed war not as inevitable, but as a result of human choice. We invite you to support this visitation on 14–15 March by attending the events or offering your prayers through the Rosary or the First Five Saturdays Devotion for world peace.

Recently, representatives from the Apostolate met with our Patron, Bishop Mark O’Toole, to review our achievements, over the last year and discuss upcoming initiatives. We look forward to sharing these plans in our next newsletter, including two planned symposia in Cardiff and London featuring very special guest speakers.  

Finally, this year’s AGM will be held in Cardiff in conjunction with the symposium; details will be released shortly.  

Notices: 

• 01 March – Sunday 7pm:  WAF-E&W On-Line Rosary (see Fatima Notice Board for details)
• Global prayer for peace in Ukraine and the World (see Fatima Global News for details)
  
• Parish Visitations (see Events/Visitations for details)
  

God Bless 

Patrick Cunningham 

National President WAF-E&W 

Fatima's Hidden Call: What Many Catholics Have Overlooked? 

Reparation explained by Canon Jason Jones. Watch the video here. 

25th of March – Feast of the Annunciation

By Fr Sunday Baba Ikpe, OSA

Walsingham, the Annunciation, and Mary’s Dowry: A Marian Vocation for England and Wales 

The story of Walsingham begins in 1061, when the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Richeldis de Faverches, a noblewoman living in Norfolk. In a vision, the Blessed Mother showed her the humble house of Nazareth, the place where the Archangel Gabriel announced God’s plan and where Mary freely gave her yes to become the Mother of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. This moment, known as the Annunciation, marks the beginning of the Incarnation.

Read more here...

If you wish to start the 9-days novena for the Feast of the Annunciation, please refer to the article and prayers written by Sr Catherine, Community of Our Lady of Walsingham, here.

Liturgical Feast Days & Events this month 

17 March – Tuesday: St Patrick 

19 March – Thursday: Solemnity of St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary (see Fatima Articles for details)

25 March – Wednesday: The Annunciation of the Lord (see the article by Fr Sunday Baba Ikpe, OSA, above)

29 March – Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

Insights from Archbishop O'Toole

Our Patron Bishop Archbishop Mark O'Toole reflects on the Fatima message and how we can best respond to do the First Saturday devotion in a short video.

We hope you were able to participate in the Fatima Five First Saturdays devotion recently. Here are some useful resources to help you understand better this important devotion.

Locations | Leaflets | Meditations| Enquiries 

• Volunteering for WAF England & Wales:

01 March – Sunday 7pm:  WAF-E&W On-Line Rosary.  Meeting ID: 86088111745, Passcode: 734012 or by clicking on the poster or scanning the QR code on the poster below

Penance, Sacrifice and the Cross

By Patrick Cunningham

The apparitions at Fatima, Pontevedra, and Tuy represent a profound theological "call to arms." At their core is a challenging message that mirrors the words of St. Paul to the Colossians: "I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church" (Col 1:24). 

This statement often startles. How could Christ’s infinite sacrifice on the Cross be "lacking"? The message given to the three shepherd children—Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta—clarifies this mystery. While Christ’s Passion is sufficient for the salvation of all, God invites human participation to apply those graces to individual souls. Through penance and sacrifice, we become co-redeemers in the mystical body of Christ. Read more here...

A Journey of Grace: My Pilgrimage Reflection 

By Joanne Anthonette Cristeta Subade Hodgson San Juan

Beginning the Pilgrimage: Inspiration, Preparation, and the Theological-Pastoral Congress

Finding Inspiration and Overcoming Challenges

Reflecting on this experience, I feel incredibly honoured to have been part of such a unique, once-in-a-lifetime

opportunity. The journey began in February 2025 at the Word on Fire conference in London, where I met Brother Jerry Rivera, Regional Coordinator for the World Apostolate of Fatima, Western Europe. He introduced me to the vision behind the upcoming World Apostolate of Fatima (WAF) Theological-Pastoral Congress and Pilgrimage. Instantly inspired, I was eager to take part; however, working at a school made it challenging to get leave during the busy winter term. Read more here...

Consecration to St Joseph -  Feast 19th of March

By Mark Boddington

We continue the 33 Days consecration to St Joseph, foster father of Jesus Christ, terror of demons and patron saint of all workers. St Joseph appeared with the Child Jesus at Fatima in October during the miracle of the Sun - information can be found here.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols steps down after 16 years of Leadership 

By Patrick Cunningham 

Westminster, London – February 2026 

The Catholic Church in England and Wales entered a new chapter this February with the installation of the Most Reverend Richard Moth as the 12th Archbishop of Westminster. 

The transition marks the end of a significant era, as Cardinal Vincent Nichols steps down after 16 years of leadership. Brother Oliver Abasolo, took the opportunity to thank the Cardinal for the support he has given to the WAF-E&W over the years, including the 2017 Cathedral tour to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Fatima apparitions and lately the 2025-2026 Cathedral tour to mark the 100th anniversary of the first five Saturday request during the apparition of the Child Jesus and our Holy Mother at Pontevedra, Spain. 

A Legacy of 16 Years: Cardinal Vincent Nichols 

Cardinal Nichols, who turned 80 shortly before his retirement, leaves behind a complex and enduring legacy. Having served since 2009, his tenure was marked by: 

• Historic Milestones: He hosted the first-ever Papal State Visit by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010 and became the first Catholic cleric to participate in a British coronation (King Charles III) since the Reformation. 
• Social Advocacy: He was a vocal champion for refugees and victims of human trafficking. 
• A Challenging Climate: His leadership also navigated the difficult waters of the IICSA inquiry into child sexual abuse, during which he faced significant scrutiny and eventually offered a profound apology for the Church's historic failings.

Ave Maria!

Our Cathedral visitations   resume from March 14-15 March, we will be at the Ukrainian Catholic Church, London, Duke St, London W1K 5BQ, UK. Please visit our webpages to find out when we shall be visiting a Cathedral near you. More information can be found here.



23rd May – WAF E&W Formation Conference

The World Apostolate of Fatima England and Wales warmly invites you to its first Formation Conference, taking place on 23 May 2026 at 8:00 AM at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Commonwealth Avenue, White City, W12 7QR. 

This special gathering is open to all members of the Apostolate and marks a meaningful milestone in our shared mission. The conference aims to: 

• Bring to life the insights gained from our online formation sessions through talks, group activities, and dynamic small-group discussions. 
• Inspire members—especially promoters—to embrace a more active and committed role within the Apostolate. 
• Foster fellowship and strengthen our bonds as spiritual comrades, united in learning, living, and spreading the Message of Our Lady of Fatima and reflecting on the witness of the three shepherd children. 

Conference Theme 

“Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary as the Way to Salvation (‘Calls’ from the Message of Fatima)” 

This theme draws inspiration from Our Lady’s words during the July 1917 apparition: 
“To save them, God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart.” 

The day will begin with the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, followed by a rich programme of inspiring talks, engaging workshops, and interactive activities designed to deepen both understanding and commitment. 

We are honoured that the conference speakers will include some of the Apostolate’s Spiritual Director/s and the lead/s of our Spiritual Programmes, who will guide us through reflection, formation, and practical application. 

Registration Details 

• Fee: £15.00 (includes a simple lunch) 
• Registration Deadline: 15 April 2026 
• How to Register: 
• Click this link: https://bit.ly/WAFConference 
• Or scan the QR code on the poster below

We warmly and wholeheartedly encourage all members to take part in this landmark event. Let us come together in faith, unity, and renewed zeal to live, learn and spread the message of Our Lady of Fatima!

23rd May - Fundraising Charity Concert  

We warmly invite everyone to lend their generous support as we seek to raise funds for our Apostolate’s mission.

A Charity Concert will be held on the evening of 23 May 2026, following the WAF England & Wales Formation Conference, at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Commonwealth Avenue, White City, W12 7QR.

This special fundraising event is presented in collaboration with the Sinag Himig Chorale and will reflect the inspiring theme: “Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”

Through music and prayerful reflection, the evening aims not only to uplift hearts but also to strengthen our shared commitment to the Apostolate’s sacred mission. Your presence and support will greatly contribute to the continued work of spreading Our Lady’s message.

The concert will begin at 7:30 PM, following the celebration of the Vigil Mass. Guests may look forward to an evening of beautiful sacred melodies, thoughtful reflection, and uplifting choral music, rendered by this world-class ensemble. 

Indeed, it promises to be both spiritually enriching and artistically inspiring, abundantly filled with grace and joy. This event is open to the public.

The purpose of the concert is to support the Apostolate’s mission—most especially the forthcoming Cathedral visitation of the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, together with the relics of Saints Francisco and Jacinta, on 31 October 2026 at the Westminster Cathedral (Metropolitan Cathedral of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus).  

Ticket Prices:  

£15.00 – Adult  

£10.00 – Child 

For tickets and reservation kindly contact the official WAF (E&W) mobile number: 07788473210  

May  Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart be our refuge and the way that leads us to God! Ave Maria!