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Our Jubilee Cathedral visitations continue to take place across the country, showcasing the beauty and significance of Our Lady's message at Fatima. We invite you to explore the various locations and dates for these special events, which can be easily viewed here. Join us as we celebrate and spread the message of Fatima.

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…

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. The words penance and reparation are often used interchangeably in a spiritual context, although they have a distinct focuses and functions. A simple way to distinguish them is to look at their direction: penance looks back at a debt due to our sinfulness, while sacrifice looks forward, with an offering of love by self-denial for either ourselves or for someone else as an act of reparation (including for the holy souls in purgatory). Penance is primarily concerned with reconciliation and healing. An example could be going to confession and saying prayers of reparation or performing an act of service to “make up” for a previous act of selfishness. Sacrifice is a broader act, of voluntary surrendering, of something good for the greater good. It is an act of love to God, in joining our little sacrifice, with Christs death on the cross being the ultimate sacrifice which he made for us. An example could be likened to a mother skipping a meal so her child can eat (sacrifice of comfort). The Call of Fatima: Reparation In 1917, the Angel of Peace and later the Virgin Mary introduced a radical concept to the children: the power of "offering it up." They were asked to pray and make sacrifices for sinners who had no one to pray for them. The Cross was not just a historical event to be admired, but a living reality to be shared. The children’s response—fasting, wearing tight cords, and enduring the heat—wasn't about self-punishment for its own sake. It was an act of reparatory love . By choosing to suffer small crosses, they sought to console the "Hidden Jesus" and pull souls back from the brink of spiritual ruin. Pontevedra and Tuy: The Thorns of the Heart The message evolved in the subsequent visions granted to Sister Lucia at Pontevedra (1925) and Tuy (1929) . At Pontevedra , the Child Jesus and Mary requested the Five First Saturday’s devotion. The imagery was vivid: Mary’s heart was encircled by thorns—representing the blasphemies and ingratitude of humanity. Sacrifice here took the form of the First Five Saturdays devotion: Confession, Holy Communion, Rosary and meditation. At Tuy , Lucia witnessed the Trinitarian vision. Under the left arm of the Cross, large drops of "grace and mercy" fell upon the altar. This reaffirmed that the sacrifice of the Cross is perpetually present in the Eucharist. Filling Up the Afflictions St. Paul’s "missing" element is our consent . Christ died for everyone, but He will not force His grace upon anyone. When we embrace our daily crosses—illness, rejection, or the simple discipline of prayer—we provide the "yes" that allows Christ’s grace to flow into the world. The Fatima message reminds us that the Cross is the only path to the Resurrection. St Therese of Lisieux said sacrifice is the fruit of love; it is the way we prove that our devotion isn't just a feeling, but a will aligned with God's. By uniting our small, finite pains with Christ’s infinite suffering, we don't just "endure" life; we transform it into a tool for the salvation of others. In the words of the Fatima prayer, we do it "for love of Jesus, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary." Article written by Patrick Cunningham 8 Feb 2026 Source Reference: Sister Lucia's memoirs and AI search with SD check by Canon Jason

The message of Walsingham is centred upon the Annunciation and as part of a community dedicated to Our Lady of Walsingham in a particular way, the Annunciation therefore forms a central part of our spirituality. As we journey towards the great Feast of the Annunciation it is an opportunity to ask for the grace to give our own fiat, our own yes, in imitation of Our Lady’s. The novena for the Annunciation is the perfect opportunity to seek these graces as outlined below. And not only for ourselves, but also on behalf of all those who do not believe which was an important aspect of the visions at Fatima. The importance of giving our yes goes back to the core of our identity as men and women created in the image and likeness of God, to fully and freely assent to his love and live in it always. That is the ultimate yes, and all the little and large ‘no’s we utter take us out of this eternal commune of love. The times we utter a ‘no’ are times where we are actually being untrue to a fundamental component of who we are made to become. That is why Mary is so important to have as a model of what it is to live in that fullness of life which Christ offers to us each day. But how do we get to this point? To give our yes in each and every moment sounds all very well, but in the nitty gritty of daily life it can be such a challenge to give our own yes. Tensions within a family, that overbearing manager at work, the death of a loved one, illness, the loss of a job...from the bigger crosses to the little splinters life presents us with, giving our yes can be a great challenge! And yet this is the only way in which we can experience what try and authentic joy is. It is only by giving our full and total yes to God that we can live in the authentic joy and peace God desires for us, as Pope St John Paul II wrote: “that joy and true peace which all ardently hope for, even in our times, only springs forth in full acceptance of the divine will.” Firstly, let us remember not to conflate joy and happiness. Happiness is simply a feeling, like pleasure, and therefore it is transient. On the other hand, joy is a grace and one of the fruits of the Spirit. The consequence of this is that it is not something which can be taken away by circumstances but, in a mysterious manner, can endure even amidst times of difficulty and suffering. Joy comes from a place of freedom where, like Mary, we can place ourselves wholly into his hands, trusting in his timing, his providence and his goodness which can permeate even the most insurmountable and debilitating of circumstances. We see this reflected in Mary at the Annunciation, she could have protested that it was better for God to wait until she was married for the Word to become Flesh in her, it was a bit inconvenient to decide to do it now when it could become such a scandal. Surely that would damage his plan? Another time may be better. And for goodness’ sake, of all times to call for a census when heavily pregnant! Talk about bad timing… Hence why Mary was chosen to be the Mother of God and not us! She was able to receive everything from God’s hand as willed by Him. There is a valuable, if challenging lesson contained within this. Are we able to accept the reality of our situation in life as coming from God’s hand? To accept that he can work in and with all things, people, places and situations. This is a challenge as we all hold within us an ideal which can oftentimes be very far removed from the reality of our life! That is not to say we should do away with our ideals, but to remember that our life is primarily one of growth in faith, hope and charity and that all else is ultimately secondary to this. This may not be immediately apparent. Mary was not omniscient, all-knowing as God is, she was not able to see clearly God’s wider plan and vision, but she trusted. Remember that it wasn’t until she was later with Elizabeth, that she sang her song of praise and thanksgiving in the Magnificat. We can only trust when we have that deeper certitude that God truly is a God for us all-loving and can unfailingly write straight on the crooked lines of our life. Therefore, another attribute of joy that we can learn from the Annunciation is that it can also take time for it to reach its flowering and maturity. I It is like the seed in the Gospel of Mark sown by the farmer: “night and day he sleeps and wakes, and the seed sprouts and grows, though he knows not how,” (Mark 4:27). Joy can take time to come to its full fruition and oftentimes appears unlooked for. Finally, it is important to also consider how we must live our life with intentionality and an awareness of the presence of the Holy Spirit resting over each moment. Mary at the Annunciation models this so beautifully, she was able to receive the message from the Angel as truly being that of God and to dynamically grasp the opportunity presented in this moment. It should cause us to reflect on how aware we are of God’s voice seeking us out in every moment. Or are we just on autopilot and allowing ourselves to be carried along by the current of life? It can be challenging to live with that greater degree of intentionality and responsiveness rather than just reactiveness. And yet this is the only way to truly grasp the height, the depth, the breadth of God’s love which is with us in each moment. So let us pray for one another as we journey through this novena and pray for the grace to imitate Mary at the Annunciation with a greater depth and fervour in our daily lives. May Mary, through her prayers and example, draw us closer to her Son who longs to be born into our lives anew in each moment and thereby give us the joy which we were created for. 16th March - Novena Day 1: For Growth in Faith Welcome to the first day of our novena to Our Lady of Walsingham, it is a great joy to be journeying together to the Feast of Annunciation on the 25 th March. We unite ourselves in prayer with all others joining in with this novena which we offer especially for the reconversion of this nation, for those who have fallen away from the faith and all those particular intentions we carry in our hearts. REFLECTION Today we pray for a growth in faith. As Christians we are called to look at the world from a different perspective, to see life with a broader vision, that is, through the eyes of faith. It is remembering that faith is not a matter of feeling. It is something deeper than our senses, emotions and even thoughts. It is a firm certainty in God’s love and His promises, though we may feel fear, doubts and anxieties, we still turn to Him in trust and surrender, even as Mary did from the time she gave her ‘yes’ at the Annunciation, to that ‘yes’ at the foot of the Cross. PRAYER Let us turn in prayer to Our Lady of Walsingham. Mother Mary, we ask for your intercession for us, for the grace to walk by faith and not by sight. To persevere in our respective callings especially when in the midst of darkness and sorrow, recognising that God’s love can be found in all things if we have the eyes to see. We ask for your intercession, heavenly mother, for a transformation in the way we see the world. To see others and ourselves through God’s eyes, having faith in His infinite love for us in all our poverty and weakness, and so come to the fullness of life which can only be found in and through faith. And now in a moment of silence we place before you our intentions…. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be O Mary, teach us always to say yes to the Lord every moment of our life. O Mary, teach us always to give thanks to the Lord every moment of our life. Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us. All you saints and martyrs of this nation, pray for us. Amen. 17th March - Novena Day 2: For Growth in Obedience REFLECTION Oftentimes, we may think of obedience as something more reserved for religious who take a vow promising this. However, obedience to God, to the Church and to those in legitimate authority over us is important. There are also particular obediences found in each state of life. Married couples to their spouses, children and work commitments, a priest to his Bishop and parish, a religious to their superior and rule of life, to give some brief examples. Mary never disobeyed God, not in thought, word or deed but was wholly and totally available to Him in every moment. As she said, “I am the handmaid of the Lord,” the servant of the Lord. She was able to offer herself completely in obedience because she had a heart ready and willing to be formed by the action of the Holy Spirit in every circumstance. Obedience is one of the hardest things for us to live well, as it often involves going against our natural likes and inclinations. But the grace is there and waiting for us, a grace God earnestly desires to give us all. Each of us is presented with so many opportunities each day to be obedient to the voice of God, to give up our will in exchange for doing and living in His. It can take time and patience to discern what this is in our daily lives. But the more we pray and ask for grace, the clearer it will become. PRAYER And so, we turn to you, Our Lady of Walsingham, to ask for an increase in the virtue of obedience. We pray that you may intercede for us that we may have a greater willingness to be taught and formed by the Holy Spirit in each moment, along with the grace to correspond at an ever deeper level to the Father’s will. We ask for hearts and minds which are humble, ready and willing to be formed and shaped by the Father’s loving hand, so that in imitation of you, Our Blessed Mother, we can declare in joy and sorrow: ‘Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to your word!’ One Our Father, one Hail Mary & one Glory Be. O Mary, teach us always to say yes to the Lord every moment of our life. O Mary, teach us always to give thanks to the Lord every moment of our life. Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us. All saints and martyrs of Britain, pray for us. Amen. 18th March - Novena Day 3: For Growth in Humility REFLECTION Today we pray for an increase in the grace of humility. St Bernard says that humility is “the foundation and guardian of all the virtues,” and time and time again the saints and the Church declare that humility is to be the bedrock and cornerstone on which we build our spiritual lives. Humility means to see ourselves as God sees us, that is, with unconditional love and kindness. True humility does not fill us with sadness, misery or despair, but rather causes us to rejoice in our nothingness, our poverty and littleness recognising that God in His mercy will lift us up and do all things for us. As Mary rejoices in her Magnificat, “He looks on His servant in her lowliness…the Almighty works marvels for me…He casts the mighty from their thrones and raises the lowly.” Humility enables us to step back and give God the freedom to work in our lives as and when He wills. PRAYER Our Lady of Walsingham, we ask that today and always you may clothe us in humility, the virtue through which you became Mother of God. Mother of Jesus and of us all, bring us to union with Christ who was truly humble of heart. Let our lives be lived in union with Him and with you, ready to accept the daily crosses of life which are meant to draw us closer to God. In our families and communities may we come to better imitate the Holy Family in their humility, recognising that when we are weak, then we are strong. We ask for a greater understanding of our own nothingness, that each day He may increase and we decrease so that we may learn to be truly emptied of our own selves in order to be filled with all the fullness of God. We now pause for a moment in silence to surrender our particular intentions for this novena into your hands… One Our Father, one Hail Mary & one Glory Be. O Mary, teach us always to say yes to the Lord every moment of our life. O Mary, teach us always to give thanks to the Lord every moment of our life. Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us. All saints and martyrs of England, pray for us. Amen. 19th March - Novena Day 4: For Growth in Detachment REFLECTION On this 4th day of our novena to Our Lady of Walsingham, we reflect on and pray for a growth in detachment. In our communities’ Book of Life it says that “the spirit of detachment…is one of the characteristics of the anawim of the Lord. The anawim of the Old Testament were the poor of every sort who depended totally on God for whatever they needed… So we trust in God’s love for us, revealed in whatever He sends from moment to moment. In times of suffering, the anawim remained faithful and awaited the good things of the Lord to fill their emptiness… They delighted in the Lord because they were rooted in Him.” All that we have and are comes from God, there is nothing we have that has not already been given to us as St Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians chapter 6. PRAYER Mary Our Mother, we ask your intercession that we may be granted a spirit of greater detachment. Help us to become evermore surrendered to the will of the Father and so to stand before Him with hands open, ready to surrender our own wants and preferences so that He may be able to give us what He desires as He knows what we need. We ask for a discerning heart, to see more clearly the things in our life which hold us back from a deeper relationship with Christ and that which draws us closer to Him. May we learn more in each moment to seek God’s will and not our own so we too can say with you, ‘Fiat, your will be done in me!’ We now pause for a moment in silence to surrender our particular intentions for this novena into your hands… One Our Father, one Hail Mary & one Glory Be. O Mary, teach us always to say yes to the Lord every moment of our life. O Mary, teach us always to give thanks to the Lord every moment of our life. Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us. All saints and martyrs of this nation, pray for us. Amen. 20th March - Novena Day 5: To Give Our Fiat More Totally and Freely REFLECTION Throughout this time of novena, we have reflected a great deal on what it means to give our ‘yes’ to God. Mary models for us how to give our own yes more totally and freely. This is something which does not take place overnight. We can only give a ‘yes’ to God in the larger things in life if we have already given our ‘yes’ in the smaller things. Be it holding back a sharp word, a small act of sacrifice and denial, setting aside those few minutes for prayer when we would prefer to be elsewhere…All of this builds up an interior disposition so that, day by day, we can grow towards giving a freer and more total yes. And in all this to also have patience with ourselves for those times when we fall and to remember that God is infinite in His mercy and forgiveness. PRAYER Mary, our mother, sister and guide, we ask today for an increase in grace to give our own fiat, our yes, to the will of God in all circumstances. As we journey deeper into the mystery of God’s will and His love for us, we ask for the grace to stay faithful to our yes to Him; and to time and again, repeat our ‘fiat,’ not just for ourselves, but for all those who fail to give praise and glory to the Trinity. Our Lady of Walsingham, intercede for us, that our wills, minds and hearts may become increasingly united and transformed into that of your Son, so we can declare our own ‘Fiat’ to the Father’s Will. We now have a moment of silent prayer, giving to Our Lord those intentions we carry in our hearts… One Our Father, one Hail Mary & one Glory Be. O Mary, teach us always to say yes to the Lord every moment of our life. O Mary, teach us always to give thanks to the Lord every moment of our life. Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us. All saints and martyrs of this nation, pray for us. Amen. 21st March - Novena Day 6: For Growth in a Spirit of Thanksgiving REFLECTION Today, on our 6th day of this novena to Our Lady of Walsingham, we pray for a growth in a spirit of thanksgiving and gratitude. This is a disposition which takes time to cultivate, especially in today’s world which seems to constantly be searching for more and more, not taking time to be and savour what we have been given already. Our Lady of Walsingham shows us that in order to live joy authentically, we must first have hearts which can sing a song of thanksgiving for all God has done, the ups and downs, the joys and sorrows, the twists and turns, recognising God turns everything to our good. As we learn to do this more and more each day, we too can enter into the song of the Magnificat with Mary, knowing that God has done all things for us and His goodness is without end. PRAYER Our Lady of Walsingham, today we ask for your prayers for us for an increase in a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving. We pray for fresh eyes, minds and hearts to perceive and give thanks to the Father for the gift hidden in every moment and circumstance. We ask that our lives would be transformed evermore into a constant song of thanksgiving to the Lord for all that He has done for us and for all that He is. We now have a moment of silent prayer, giving to Our Lord those intentions we carry in our hearts… One Our Father, one Hail Mary & one Glory Be. O Mary, teach us always to say yes to the Lord every moment of our life. O Mary, teach us always to give thanks to the Lord every moment of our life. Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us. All saints and martyrs of this nation, pray for us. Amen. 22nd March - Novena Day 7: For An Increase in Joy REFLECTION As we have said many times throughout this novena to Our Lady of Walsingham, the message of Walsingham is all about joy! This is why Our Lady asked for a replica of the Holy House to be built there, because she desires us to share in that joy, that fullness of joy only God can give. Pope Francis talks in His exhortation ‘Evangelii Gaudium’ that the mark of a Christian ought to be joy – for “with Christ – joy is constantly born anew.” But joy cannot be forced or obtained through sheer willpower and gritted teeth. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit, something freely given when we have reached the point of surrender and thanksgiving. When we, like Mary, can stand before God in simplicity with empty hands and allow God to fill us in His time, recognising that He knows our times and seasons better than we know ourselves. As C.S. Lewis’s wonderful book is titled, it is allowing ourselves to be ‘Surprised by Joy!’ So often this grace appears in the depths of our hearts unlooked for, when we have united ourselves more deeply to God’s will. So let us pray for the graces to do what we can to cultivate this spirit of joy, utilising what we have reflected on over the past 30 days, all for God’s greater glory. PRAYER Mother Mary, we ask today and for each day for an increase in joy. Pray that the Holy Spirit may open up our hearts, minds and eyes to a greater sensitivity and awareness of those moments of joy God places in our lives, recognising that it is a gift to all those who seek His will. We ask for the grace to see the beauty of God’s call and of His will unfolding in each moment, and to respond to this with the same joy you experienced at the moment of the Annunciation. Help us today and always, to be eager and ready to respond to the call of the Spirit, and to be evermore open to the joy He brings. We now surrender to God our Father all the intentions we carry with us, especially for those areas of our life in which we need to encounter the joy of the Holy Spirit…. One Our Father, one Hail Mary & one Glory Be. O Mary, teach us always to say yes to the Lord every moment of our life. O Mary, teach us always to give thanks to the Lord every moment of our life. Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us. All saints and martyrs of this nation, pray for us. Amen. 23th March - Novena Day 8: To Live Vocationally REFLECTION Mary is our vocational model. Vocation is more than just our state in life, that is, being a husband, wife, priest, nun and so forth, it is recognising that we are ‘called by name,’ chosen by God to show forth His love in the world in a totally unique and unrepeatable way. This is the preciousness, the gift of our life. This living in a vocational manner comes to greater fruition when we see, at an ever-deeper level, that our life is a response to the love of God which He pours out upon us always. It is not necessarily about what we do for Him, it is all about what He does for us . Mary recognised her uniqueness and her value as God’s beloved daughter, that was at the heart of her identity and enabled her to give that resounding ‘yes’ in those moments when it was asked of her. PRAYER So we pray today for the grace to live our lives vocationally, to recognise that we are called and chosen by God, unique and precious in His eyes. Like you Mother Mary we seek, to live in response to the love we have received, to better respond to our call to union with God and for growth in those promises made at our baptism. We pray that in each moment we would be ready to respond with generosity to the Father’s call, however it comes and wherever it leads. We also ask for your intercession for each one of us, for our families, our friends, our coworkers, our communities…We pray for a strengthening of our vocations and for theirs as we draw ever closer to God through your Immaculate Heart. We now give to you our particular intentions for which we ask you to pray…. One Our Father, one Hail Mary & one Glory Be. O Mary, teach us always to say yes to the Lord every moment of our life. O Mary, teach us always to give thanks to the Lord every moment of our life. Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us. All saints and martyrs of this nation, pray for us. Amen. 24th March - Novena Day 9: For the Word to Become Flesh in us How incredible to now be almost at the end of our novena to Our Lady of Walsingham. We are all so grateful to you for joining us in this journey or prayer and reflection discovering more the message of Walsingham and the way in which we can live out its message. REFLECTION So, at the heart of Walsingham is the message of the joy of the Incarnation, this veneration and celebration of the Word Made Flesh. The more we surrender, the more that the Word will be made flesh in each aspect of our lives, so that more and more we take on the sentiments and the attitudes of Christ. As it says in our communities’ Book of Life: “Our life is to be, “another humanity for Him [Christ], in which He can renew His whole Mystery.” This incarnational journey will hasten the coming of God’s Kingdom in our land and throughout the world.” We are called to bring Him to each and every aspect of our lives, in imitation of Mary to be ‘God bearers’ in our own way. PRAYER As we end our novena to Our Lady of Walsingham we pray that the graces received may be planted deep within us and bear fruit. May we grow in interior freedom and so create that space for the Word to become flesh, to become incarnate, in each aspect of our existence, that each one of us may bring Christ to those whom we encounter. May our heart, mind and will be evangelised, purified, transformed and liberated to live totally immersed in and for God alone, and so become, like Our Lady, a dwelling fit for the Trinity. One Our Father, one Hail Mary, one Glory Be. O Mary, teach us always to say yes to the Lord every moment of our life. O Mary, teach us always to give thanks to the Lord every moment of our life. Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us. All you saints and martyrs of this nation, pray for us. Amen.

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

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. Receiving Approval and Signs of Encouragement After becoming a permanent staff member, I decided to take a chance and make a special request at my school, which was approved due to the centennial's religious significance. The experience felt spiritually meaningful from the start. I saw rainbows in Portugal and Spain, which I interpreted as signs of encouragement and affirmation for the journey. The Theological-Pastoral Congress: Unity and Spiritual Emphasis The pilgrimage commenced with the Theological-Pastoral Congress, focused on the theme "The Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary." Attendees benefited from a diverse range of perspectives, including presentations by bishops, priests, nuns, subject matter experts, and representatives from the International Secretariat. Notably, Sister Angela de Fatima Coelho, Vice Postulator for the Cause of the Beatification/Canonisation of the Venerable Sister Lucia, delivered an address emphasizing core aspects of the Fatima message. She highlighted conversion, prayer, and penance as essential elements for contemporary society, referencing insights originally shared in a 1996 Portuguese radio broadcast. Consecration, Global Prayer, and Collaboration Sister Angela also discussed the history of the Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, recalling the apparition at Tuy on 13 June 1929, during which Our Lady communicated to Sister Lucia that the moment had arrived for the Holy Father and global bishops to consecrate Russia. This historical context was particularly resonant in light of the contributions of the Ukrainian delegates, who described their ongoing initiative—a 40-hour global Rosary for peace—and invited participants to dedicate thirty minutes to prayer and sacrifice for peace in Ukraine and worldwide. Outreach and Personal Connections This engagement reaffirmed plans for collaboration with Radio Maria England , aiming to provide radios to local care home residents in 2026, thereby enabling the elderly to remain connected to the international prayer network. Sister Angela further illustrated the significance of personal connection through an account of her visits to her mother, underscoring the importance of bringing joy and happiness to her. Rosary, Procession, and the Vigil of the Immaculate Conception The two-day congress concluded with participants gathering at the Chapel of the Apparitions for the Rosary and a candlelight procession, followed by the Vigil of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. This sequence of events served as a fitting and reverent preparation for the observance of the feast day in a site of profound spiritual significance. Pilgrimage Highlights: Sacred Sites and Spiritual Encounters Visiting the Sites of the Apparitions On Monday, December 8th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, we visited Valinhos and Loca do Cabeço, sites of important apparitions, and toured the homes of Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta in Aljustrel. Their simple lives gave deeper meaning to their commitment. During our free time, I got to visit the museum which highlighted even more the simplicity of the lives of the three shepherd children of Fatima. We ended the day with a guided tour of the "Refuge and Path" exhibition at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, highlighting Fatima's 100-year legacy. I got the opportunity to join a long line of confessions and went to perpetual adoration. This experience was very humbling and prepared me for the start of this pilgrimage from Fatima to Pontevedra via Balazar. Sanctuary of Blessed Alexandrina: Lessons in Suffering and Faith Our journey continued on the 9th of December 2025 with a visit to the Sanctuary of Blessed Alexandrina Maria da Costa in Balazar. We prayed at her tomb and participated in a solemn Mass at 12:30 PM. Father Des Farren ( from Ireland) delivered an inspirational homily on Blessed Alexandrina’s life, explaining how she lived solely off the Holy Eucharist for 13 years until her death. This was a true miracle of sustenance as Blessed Alexandrina was bedridden and suffered from progressive paralysis for nearly 30 years of her life. His words on surrendering and accepting the cross moved me to the very core of my being. I was deeply touched by the story of Blessed Alexandrina’s bravery—how she had to escape from the man who sought to abuse her, an act of courage that eventually led to her life of suffering. I prayed fervently for the countless women and children around the world today who are facing similar abuse and who are being silenced. Thinking of Blessed Alexandrina’s decades of being incapacitated also brought my own family members to the front of my mind. It hit very close to home because my own uncle has been bedridden and suffering for fourteen years now. I also felt a deep ache for my other relatives and family friends currently battling cancer—including one facing the heavy trial of stage four. I offered my prayers for all those undergoing severe, long-term illnesses; those who, like Alexandrina, suffer in the quiet shadows of life without much recognition. We must continue to offer our prayers for these "silent cross-bearers" who share in Christ’s suffering every day. This visit was the perfect spiritual preparation for what followed. That evening, just before dinner, we travelled to Pontevedra, Spain for the official opening of the Marian Jubilee and the Centenary celebrations at the Convent Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Commemorating the Centenary of the Apparition The following morning marked the 100th anniversary of the apparition of Jesus and Mary, which originally took place on 10th December 1925. This significant milestone was honoured through profound liturgical celebrations, beginning with the morning Mass at the Basilica of Santa Maria Mayor at 11:00 AM. Father Martin presided over the service, and from the outset, there was an overwhelming atmosphere of happiness and peace among the congregation. What made the celebration even more special was Father Martin's thoughtful gesture towards our diverse group of pilgrims. He shared the message of his homily with the Spanish-speaking attendees, who graciously translated his words into English for those of us less fluent. Although the spirit of the Mass had already touched us, hearing the message in our own language made it even more meaningful and impactful, deepening our sense of connection and understanding. Later that day, I spent several hours at the Sanctuary of the Apparitions, also known as the House of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The time spent in the chapel before the evening Mass at 6:00 PM proved to be deeply moving. The tranquil and sacred atmosphere of this holy place, where Our Lady appeared, allowed me to reflect quietly and truly absorb the peace and grace that permeated the site. Being present in such a hallowed space was an immense gift, and I cherished the opportunity to immerse myself in its spiritual significance. Experiencing the Jubilee Celebrations Musical Unity and Faith When the service began, I felt incredibly blessed to be seated with the choir, singing along just behind the organist. This experience prompted me to reflect on our musical practice in my own parish, and I was struck by the beauty of our shared traditions. Despite differences in language and location, the similarities were unmistakable, deepening my appreciation for our faith. We are truly unified—one community bound together by common beliefs and even the same hymns. Evening Mass and the Apparition Site Whilst I attended the evening Mass, other pilgrims gathered in the courtyard of the House Shrine, reciting the Rosary on the very site where the Child Jesus appeared to Sister Lucia on the 15th of February 1926. It was deeply moving to witness so many priests, mainly from the World Apostolate of Fatima, concelebrating the Mass. Father Des took time to explain the improvements made to the chapel since his previous visit, pointing out the exact location of Sister Lucia’s apparition and describing how the setting faced the cathedral from her bedroom window. Atmosphere and Community The sanctuary itself was beautifully maintained, with volunteers always ready to offer guidance and a warm smile. Following the evening Mass, we joined a truly spectacular candlelight procession, making our way to the Basilica of Santa Maria Mayor. Seeing so many people attend, filling the streets with shared devotion, was an unforgettable experience. As we walked, Marian hymns echoed through the air, and the sight of World Apostolate of Fatima flags waving beside flickering candles powerfully reminded me of our global community. A Moment of Grace There was an atmosphere of pure joy and reverence in Pontevedra . The most emotional moment for me occurred as the statue of Our Lady and the Child Jesus approached the Basilica. When they reached the door, a profound sense of grace seemed to wash over everyone present. The singing became more personal and heartfelt, with candlelight reflecting off the grand entrance, and the air heavy with prayer. I truly felt Our Lady’s presence among us; it was as if we were all united in welcoming them into the Basilica. My heart was full as I realised, I was part of this remarkable 100-year legacy. A Pilgrimage of Profound Encounters A Glimpse of Heaven in Santiago de Compostela In Santiago de Compostela, entering the cathedral felt nothing short of heavenly. The grandeur—bathed in gold, illuminated by radiant light, and watched over by immense angelic figures—created an atmosphere that was truly otherworldly. As I knelt before the altar, tears welled in my eyes and I felt an overwhelming emotion of being in a sacred heavenly place . It felt as if I was gazing directly into the celestial realm itself. In that moment of prayer, I spoke to God, expressing my excitement at the idea that if this was a little taste of Heaven that I got to see , then I greatly looked forward to one day being able to experienc e Heaven in its fullness. Yet, I also affirmed my happiness to remain here on Earth for now, as I am deeply committed to continuing my mission of sharing Our Lady’s message. After this prayerful encounter, our group gathered to pray at the Tomb of the Apostle St. James and took part in the traditional "Abrazo"—embracing the statue of the Saint at the altar. Before leaving, we travelled to the Carmel of Coimbra, where we met the elderly nuns who lived alongside Sister Lucia, and were blessed to receive third-class relics to bring home to our families. A Night of Gratitude and Fellowship Upon our return from Coimbra, we shared a final and memorable evening together. Following dinner, the Secretariat organised a heartfelt programme of gratitude. Members of the Secretariat delivered moving speeches, and a very special gift was presented to the pilgrimage leaders, Nuno and Ana, in recognition of their dedication to the World Apostolate of Fatima . We also took a moment to express sincere thanks to our tour guides, whose excellent organisational efforts made the entire experience so enjoyable. The staff of the Domus Pacis were likewise honoured with tokens of appreciation, acknowledging the exceptional care they provided throughout our stay. Serving as a hotel, retreat centre, and the main office of WAF International, Domus Pacis provides an exceptional atmosphere of unity and belonging, which made our stay there even more memorable. Farewells and Shared Purpose The following morning, we gathered for a final breakfast before checking out. Even as our time together drew to a close, the atmosphere remained one of profound connection and peace, rather than sadness. As we said our farewells, we exchanged contact details and made genuine promises to stay in touch. That last hour was spent "planting seeds" in each other’s missions—pledging to collaborate, share resources, and support one another in spreading Our Lady’s message across our different countries. Returning Home and Embracing the Mission Returning home, I found my team at work weary from the Christmas rush. Aware of the sacrifices they had made in my absence, I chose to keep my joy quiet at first, as a mark of respect for their efforts. Throughout my pilgrimage, I carried my school and colleagues in my heart, offering prayers for them at each holy site as a way of returning the grace I had received. Looking Forward with Renewed Resolve As I look ahead to 2026, this pilgrimage has strengthened my soul and given me renewed clarity of purpose. I am determined to spread Our Lady’s message with even greater fervour—"like wildfire"—and to challenge myself by learning Spanis h and Latin to better understand the liturgy. Inspired by the New Year’s Day homily, I recognise that we cannot remain silent. Instead, we must be courageous, proclaim our faith openly, and move from merely "surviving" to truly living in Grace. Ave Maria and a Blessed 2026 to all!

St Joseph is the great foster father of Jesus, specially chosen by God the Heavenly Father for this special vocation. He is called to protect, guide and provide for the needs of the Holy family, for Jesus and Mary. He cares for Jesus as a small child and into adulthood. This unique gift of fatherhood and his own life lived in holiness, exemplies the providential care of a loving father . St Joseph was tasked with nurturing Jesus’ growth in wisdom and stature before God and men. St Joseph was a Jewish man, from the root and stock of King David yet was a poor man humble in stature putting the needs of Jesus and Mary first. He selflessly accepted the cross of preventing Mary’s scandalisation through accepting her as his wife, believing she was with child of the Holy Spirit, as revealed by God through an angel in a dream. As head of the Holy family, he can teach us and impart to us the virtue of holiness . St Joseph the wonder worker and terror of demons can become the great protector and head of one’s own family helping it to become an icon of the Holy Family, in a unity of loving communion, reflecting the Love of The Holy Trinity. Our act of consecration to St Joseph helps us faithfully to preserve family life from the assaults of Satan, who is intent on the destruction of family life as a very means to undermine the Church. Never has there been a greater need to protect family life in our day and share the Catholic Faith and Catechism to nurture children for the Kingdom of God - and help the Gospel spread to the ends of the earth for mankind’s salvation and sanctification. ‘“After Our Lady had disappeared into the immense distance of the firmament, we beheld St. Joseph with the Child Jesus and Our Lady robed in white with a blue mantle, beside the sun. St. Joseph and the Child Jesus appeared to bless the world, for they traced the Sign of the Cross with their hands. When, a little later, this apparition disappeared, I saw Our Lord and Our Lady; it seemed to me that it was Our Lady of Sorrows. Our Lord appeared to bless the world in the same manner as St. Joseph had done. This apparition also vanished, and I saw Our Lady once more, this time resembling Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.” -Sr. Lucia in speaking about the sixth apparition at Fatima (the Miracle of the Sun)” ‘According to some who have studied the apparitions at Fatima, the vision of the Holy Family—with the peaceful St. Joseph and the Child Jesus—seems to contrast with the events of the “Miracle of the Sun,” in which the sun whirled about out of control in the sky just moments later. According to Msgr. Joseph Cirrincione, ” . . . the future event which both scenes foreshadow, has to do with fatherhood . . . St. Joseph was holding the Child Jesus and both were blessing the world, while Our Lady of the Rosary looked on. I see in that peaceful scene a reminder of what we pray in the Litany of St. Joseph, ‘Head of the Holy Family, Pray for us.’ And in the convulsions of the sun, I see an ominous foreshadowing of the consequences for the world which are sure to be felt if the true fatherhood of the family are rejected by mankind.”’ (Online: https://www.goodcatholic.com/st-joseph-and-the-lesser-known-fatima-apparition/ ) One way to restore fatherhood in the human family is to partake in a 33-day consecration to St Joseph. This may begin on 15th February ending on 19th March 2026, the Feast of St Joseph. One can use the Consecration prayers put together by Fr Donald Calloway MIC (See 33 days prayers following the links below) Through our own consecration one may embrace St Joseph as exemplar father figure and head of our families, as he is head of the holy family. Through his intercession we may come to know more fully the Love of Our Heavenly Father, in and through His Beloved Son Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit. May Our families become icons of The Holy family reflecting The Divine Love of The Holy Trinity, a communion of self emptying sacrificial love outpoured. Amen, Lord Faithful King DAY 1 - WHY CONSECRATION TO ST. JOSEPH? DAY 2 - THE LITANY OF ST. JOSEPH DAY 3 - GOD, THE FATHER OF HEAVEN, HAVE MERCY ON US DAY 4 - GOD, THE SON, REDEEMER OF THE WORLD, HAVE MERCY ON US DAY 5 - GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, HAVE MERCY ON US DAY 6 - HOLY TRINITY, ONE GOD, HAVE MERCY ON US DAY 7 - HOLY MARY, PRAY FOR US DAY 8 - SAINT JOSEPH, PRAY FOR US DAY 9 - NOBLE OFFSPRING OF DAVID, PRAY FOR US DAY 10 - LIGHT OF PATRIARCHS, PRAY FOR US DAY 11 - SPOUSE OF THE MOTHER OF GOD, PRAY FOR US DAY 12 - CHASTE GUARDIAN OF THE VIRGIN, PRAY FOR US DAY 13 - FOSTER FATHER OF THE SON OF GOD, PRAY FOR US DAY 14 - ZEALOUS DEFENDER OF CHRIST, PRAY FOR US DAY 15 - HEAD OF THE HOLY FAMILY, PRAY FOR US DAY 16 - JOSEPH MOST JUST, PRAY FOR US DAY 17 - JOSEPH MOST CHASTE, PRAY FOR US DAY 18 - JOSEPH MOST PRUDENT, PRAY FOR US DAY 19 - JOSEPH MOST COURAGEOUS, PRAY FOR US DAY 20 - JOSEPH MOST OBEDIENT, PRAY FOR US DAY 21 - JOSEPH MOST FAITHFUL, PRAY FOR US DAY 22 - MIRROR OF PATIENCE, PRAY FOR US DAY 23 - LOVER OF POVERTY, PRAY FOR US DAY 24 - MODEL OF WORKMEN, PRAY FOR US DAY 25 - GLORY OF DOMESTIC LIFE, PRAY FOR US DAY 26 - GUARDIAN OF VIRGINS, PRAY FOR US DAY 27 - PILLAR OF FAMILIES, PRAY FOR US DAY 28 - COMFORT OF THE AFFLICTED, PRAY FOR US DAY 29 - HOPE OF THE SICK, PRAY FOR US DAY 30 - PATRON OF THE DYING, PRAY FOR US DAY 31 - TERROR OF DEMONS, PRAY FOR US DAY 32 - PROTECTOR OF THE HOLY CHURCH, PRAY FOR US DAY 33 - HE MADE HIM THE LORD OF HIS HOUSEHOLD, AND PRINCE OVER ALL HIS POSSESSIONS “Used with permission of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Stockbridge, MA USA.”

The current article is written with the inspiration of the book “Fatima for Today”: the urgent Marian message of hope written by Fr Andrew Apostoli. In addition to this, it is informed by my last pilgrimage to Fatima in August 2025. In this article, my mission, is to explain from a young person’s point of view how relevant is the vision of Hell given by Our Lady is in today's world. In her First apparition, back in 1917, our Lady showed the little Shepherds a vision of Hell so that they remind humanity that is real. This message is particularly relevant nowadays and I thank the opportunity the trustees of the World Apostolate of Fatima, England and Wales, have given me to express a personal reflection and some fruits of prayer. When I first started reading the book last August, I felt discomfort. However, I was aiming to prepare myself for going to Fatima on a Pilgrimage. So, I had to continue to read. The preconceived worldly ideology of freedom was a discomfort. However, I decided to throw myself into it. As a result, I was given the grace of being touched by the message of our Lady. Particularly her words “many souls go to Hell because there is no one to pray and sacrifice for them”. This taught me that, beyond discomfort, there is hope. We are constantly told that the world is broken beyond repair (e.g., climate collapse, endless wars, social divisions). Our Lady of Fatima acknowledged the suffering within the darkness. In her motherly way, she showed the little Shepherds how to continue to fight for the souls, for her children. She urged them to pray, offer sacrifices and to convert every day. She offered protection by the consecration to her immaculate heart. Taking the words from Fr Apostoli, “Simply denying that there is a hell does not make it go away”. In her apparition, our Lady of Fátima reminded us through the Little Shepherds, and their vision of hell, what it means to live without God´s love. Hell exists, after our death, and while alive. The called Deceiver, and Accuser by Fr Apostoli, will make a fake deal with you to then make you feel ashamed, accused and will convince you there is no chance for redemption, that you are beyond forgiveness. Nowadays, as a young person living in our modern society, we exalt freedom. But what is freedom? And how do the messages from the apparitions in Fatima frame the concept of freedom? Our Lady of Fatima’s gentle approach was to trust children to convey her message to the world that struggles to this day to accept her messages. True freedom isn’t doing whatever we want it is choosing what leads to life, even when it is difficult. It is choosing true love offered from God and from Jesus instead of false love such as attachments and dependencies that the Devil, the Cheater, offers. From this perspective, why would we continue to choose to sin, to choose imitations of real love, the source of life? Because we are humans, we carry the aftermaths of original sin. So, what to do now? First, remember our identity, our true being we are, all of us, beloved Children of God. It is time to remind some Bible passages such as Isaiah 43, where God promised he had called us and he will always remain with us. He impels us to not be afraid, to trust that we are loved for who we are. That there is nothing wrong with us. He exhorts us to reclaim this true identity and break free from the slavery suggested by the Devil. Secondly, in the gospels of Luke (Lc 5, 27-32) & Mathew (Mt 9, 10-13) Jesus emphasises the importance of love and kindness and mercy and reminds us that yes, we are all sinners, but that is the reason, Jesus Christ came for all of us, to save us with his mercy and save us from the lies of the Devil that make us believe God wants to punish us. God also exhorts us to become like little children when listening to him. Our Lady of Fatima confirmed this by choosing the little Shepherds who were kids with very little education, and still, they were chosen by our Lady. This should help us to take some perspective of our current situation. What is essential in our lives? Where are we putting our worth? Where is the Devil lying to us? In addition, we can do as our Lady did: refuse to let darkness have the final word. Mary’s message is simple but radical: evil is real, but it is not all-powerful. Our Lady of Fatima’s message was never about fear but about love, and hope. What moves me most about our Lady of Fatima is that Mary respects human freedom. She doesn’t force belief, repentance, or love. She warns, invites, and waits. Hell exists not because God is cruel, but because love cannot be forced. Finally, I now know how to contribute to the Salvation of souls. To ease suffering in a heavenly way. A way that transcends human forces. It is a humbling experience of union with Christ. Through, Our Lady we can offer our sacrifices. It is a reality that we all suffer in our daily life, we sometimes choose to, other times we don’t. In those moments, our Lady of Fatima exhorts us to say the following prayer: “Sacrifice yourselves for sinners and say many times, especially when you make a sacrifice, ‘O Jesus, this is for love of Thee, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.'” This prayer was conveyed to Sr Lucia of Fatima on the 13th of July 1917. In conclusion, we have been desensitised to the Devil, and consequently, to recognising Hell is real and how the small choices can tear us apart from the love of God and make us experience hell on earth. Let’s follow Our Lady’s and the little Shepherd’s example. Let’s come back to the essentials, let’s turn our eyes to the real source of life and wonder. The message of Our Lady of Fatima is still very relevant nowadays, pray and pray the Rosary, repent, repair, and don’t be afraid, evil is real, but it is not all-powerful, GOD IS.

Statue of our blessed virgin Mary in Pontevedra, Spain.