Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School marked a significant moment in its spiritual calendar on Friday 12 June, when it welcomed representatives from the World Apostolate of Fatima - England and Wales for a day of reflection, prayer, and learning centred on the message of Fatima.
Pupils and staff gathered to hear the story of the 1917 apparitions in Fatima, Portugal, where Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children with a message of peace, prayer, and devotion to God. The representatives shared the history and meaning of these events, emphasising the enduring call to pray the Rosary and to work for peace in the world.
A highlight of the visit was the arrival of sacred relics of Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto, two of the young visionaries canonised for their lives of deep faith and sacrifice. Their relics offered the school community a rare opportunity for veneration, prompting pupils to reflect on the children’s example of trust in God and commitment to prayer. Staff noted the sense of reverence and curiosity among pupils as they learned about the saints’ lives and their significance to Catholics worldwide.
The school also welcomed the National Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, a statue gifted to Great Britain by the Bishop of Fatima in 1968 at the close of the Golden Jubilee of the apparitions. Its presence helped bring the Fatima story vividly to life, encouraging pupils to consider the importance of prayer and the message of peace at the heart of the apparitions.
The day concluded with a moving Marian procession around the school grounds. Pupils and staff joined together in prayer and song, creating a peaceful and reflective atmosphere that captured the spirit of the occasion. The procession served as a moment of unity for the school community, leaving a lasting impression on those who took part.
The visit was widely regarded as a day of spiritual enrichment, offering pupils a deeper understanding of Marian devotion and the continuing relevance of the Fatima message in today’s world.
By: Dr Kerry Ann Macfarlane, Assistant Headteacher
Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School
Bournemouth BH5 2BX
