Pilgrim virgin statue to visit Lewes April 1
The historic, world-famous, International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima will be visiting parishes in the Diocese of Wilmington, including Saint Jude the Apostle in Lewes, as part of the Fatima Centennial U.S. Tour for Peace, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Fatima apparitions. The statue, traveling worldwide since 1947, is on an historic two-year journey across America, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the apparitions at Fatima, visiting more than 100 dioceses in 50 states.
From 12 p.m. Sunday, April 2, until 6 a.m., Monday, April 3, an all-night vigil with the statue will be held at Saint Jude the Apostle Church in Lewes. The devotional service is free and open to the public. All are welcome to join in prayer.
"We are happy to have the International Pilgrim Virgin Statue visit our diocese," said the Most Rev. W. Francis Malooly, bishop of the Diocese of Wilmington. "Devotion to Our Lady is such an important aspect of our tradition as Catholics because she always leads us to a closer relationship to her son Jesus Christ."
The International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Fatima was crafted in 1947 by renowned sculptor José Thedim, upon the precise instructions of Sister Lucia. On Oct. 13, 1947, the statue was blessed by the Bishop of Fatima and commissioned to serve as the Pilgrim Virgin that would carry the blessings of Fatima throughout the world. The bishop prayed that Mary herself accompany the statue wherever it goes. Many graces and favors, including cures and countless conversions, have been associated with the precious image. The statue has traveled around the globe many times, visiting more than 100 countries, including Russia and China.
During the Fatima Centennial U.S. Tour for Peace, the statue travels in a beautifully marked recreational vehicle, and is accompanied by its custodian Patrick Sabat who conducts talks and answers questions about the statue and the apparitions at Fatima. For more information, go to www.fatimatourforpeace.com.
