Archbishop Richard Moth, President of the CBCEW, welcomed and blessed the National Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fátima and the Relics of Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto. In his homily, he encouraged the faithful throughout England and Wales to heed the call of the Immaculate Heart of Mary by praying daily for peace through the Holy Rosary. He also expressed his gratitude to Rev Fr Richard Nesbitt, National Spiritual Director of the World Apostolate of Fatima England and Wales (WAF E&W), for his unwavering commitment to spreading the enduring and relevant message of Our Lady of Fátima.
The Cathedral was filled to near capacity throughout the five-hour programme, which combined prayer, devotion, and formation. Fr Richard reflected on the spirituality and witness of Saints Francisco and Jacinta before their sacred relics were reverently held aloft and used to bless the congregation.
Oliver Abasolo, Lead for the First Saturdays Devotion of Reparation, spoke on the importance of making reparation and reflected on the challenges facing the wider acceptance of this devotion within the Church today, particularly amid a diminishing awareness of sin and the need for conversion. Towards the conclusion of the celebration, many faithful were enrolled and invested in the Brown Scapular.
The liturgy was greatly enriched by the heavenly voices of the Sinag Himig Chorale, whose sacred music elevated the prayerful atmosphere of the occasion.
The Knights of St Columba provided a faithful and dignified guard of honour for the Pilgrim Statue and the Relics throughout the celebration.
Special recognition is also due to Rev Fr Patrick van der Vorst, Cathedral Precentor, together with the clergy and staff of Westminster Cathedral, whose careful preparation, generous support, and dedication helped ensure a reverent, dignified, and joyful celebration.
Numerous volunteers from the World Apostolate of Fatima within the Dioceses of Westminster and Southwark also offered their time and sacrifices in service to the event. Their contributions included stewarding pilgrims, assisting with collections, distributing Brown Scapulars, decorating the bier of Our Lady, and providing refreshments for the choir.
It is hoped that the First Saturdays Devotion of Reparation will become a regular observance at Westminster Cathedral. After all, this devotion remains Heaven's Peace Plan for our troubled world.
May the Immaculate Heart of Mary be your refuge and the way that leads you to God.
While the pilgrimage of the Cathedral Visitations has now come to its conclusion, the requests of Our Lady remain. The pilgrimage may have ended, but the mission continues.
"In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph."
Our Lady of Fàtima, pray for us.
Ss Francisco and Jacinta Marto, pray for us.
Venerable Sister Lucia, pray for us.
Ave Maria.
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