FSSP Seattle Hosts Fatima Statue

by Mrs. Kathleen Kennedy, FSSP Seattle parishioner

The world-famous International Pilgrim Virgin statue of Our Lady of Fatima is currently touring more than 100 dioceses in the United States for the 100th anniversary of Our Blessed Lady’s appearances at Fatima. The image reflects the precise instructions of Sr. Lucia, one of the seers. Her desire was that the pilgrim image represent Our Lady’s position when she revealed herself as the Immaculate Heart to the shepherds in 1917. She remarked afterwards that she had never seen any image which so resembled the actual apparition of Our Lady.

In the presence of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims at Fatima, the statue was blessed by the bishop of Fatima on October 13, 1947 who prayed that Mary herself would accompany the statue wherever it goes. In 1952 it was blessed by Pope Pius XII to bring the graces of Fatima to those many millions of people who may never have an opportunity to make a pilgrimage to Fatima itself. It has been traveling around the world ever since that time, visiting over 100 countries. The most famous tour occurred on October 16, 1992, when 6 bishops went to Red Square in Moscow and crowned this statue at midnight in front of Lenin’s tomb.

North American Martyrs Parish in Seattle joyfully welcomed the statue in July. The timing was perfect. Because the camps for boys and girls had just ended, there were seminarians to help with the ceremonies, along with four FSSP priests. It was a beautiful day, with a packed church of regular parishioners and as many guests. It was a wonderful opportunity to invite others to share our beloved Latin Mass.

The day included a Solemn High Mass preceded by a procession into the church and crowning of the statue, followed by children bringing flowers, an outdoor procession around the block, a talk by the statue’s custodian, Rosary and hymns, a great many enrolled in the brown scapular, Benediction and the farewell procession. The pastor, Fr. Joseph Heffernan, in his sermon reminded the faithful to follow Our Blessed Mother’s requests to pray the Rosary every day and to offer up our daily sufferings. Our Lady taught this prayer to Lucia and her cousins St. Francisco and St. Jacinta:

“O my Jesus, I accept and bear with submission whatever sufferings God permits in my life today, for love of You, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.” (Our Lady of Fatima, July 1917)

On the preceding day, the statue visited St. Joseph Parish, the FSSP’s apostolate in Tacoma. A grand outdoor procession followed, where the statue was carried in public veneration to a neighboring church.

Our thanks to Mr. Michael Curtis for granting us permission to use the photographs he took of the event.