Fatima – 100 Years

The 100th Anniversary Celebration of Fatima Continues at Holy Cross Parish

Cenacle Prayer Meeting with Adoration and Reconciliation will follow the 7:50 a.m. Mass on the following days:

Thursday, July 13th
Saturday, August 19th
Wednesday, September 13th
Friday, October 13th

All are welcome! (There is a plenary indulgence attached to this prayer meeting with the usual conditions.)

Fatima – 100 Years

By Denise Walleyn

A bright and sunny day greeted the faithful who responded to the invitation to celebrate, ponder and commemorate the profound message of Our Lady on the 100th Anniversary of the apparitions at Fatima that was celebrated at Holy Cross Parish in Winnipeg on Saturday, May 13. Hundreds of the faithful from the Archdioceses of St Boniface, Winnipeg and the Ukrainian Archeparchy of Winnipeg participated in the events of the day recognizing that devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary leads us to a deeper understanding of our Lord and His message. This joyful and spiritual event led us to reflect and give thanks to God for the grace of apparitions and all the prayer that has flowed from the encouragement by our Blessed Mother to pray the Rosary every day, to sacrifice and to love.

The solemn and beautiful early morning opening Mass was presided by Archbishop Albert LeGatt and con-celebrated by Bishop Noel Delaquis, Father Peter Krasuski, Father Peter Nemcek and Deacons Gilles Urquhart and Alphonse Tran. The music was led by Joanne Mercier and choir. Members of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus formed the Honor Guard. Archbishop Albert inspired the almost 700 with profound words during the homily. At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, the litter with a statue of Our Lady of Fatima surrounded by dozens of roses, was brought forward and incensed in readiness for the procession.

The procession, led by a Cross Bearer and Altar Servers, banner bearers and the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard, preceded the litter holding the statue of Our Lady of Fatima carried by 6 bearers. A beautiful touch was the carrying of a large Rosary by several children. Hundreds followed in procession along the 5.2 kilometer route through the streets of St Boniface, passing by the St Boniface Hospital and the St Boniface Cathedral. Beautiful music along the way was supplied by Father Geoffrey Angelus and choir from St Mary’s Cathedral. Along the way, the Rosary was prayed in 20 different languages that are representative of the many cultural groups that make up our Church.

A much appreciated hour long lunch break provided sustenance to the pilgrims and volunteers alike.

The afternoon opened with a four hour prayer service including Exposition of the Holy Eucharist, praying of the four Mysteries of the Rosary, music led by Alcide Bouchard, silent adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation with Father Peter, Father Leonce, Father Tomy, Father Chrys and Father Henryk and finally Benediction and Reposition of the Holy Eucharist.

The closing Mass, presided by Father Peter Krasuski with music led by Jason and Natalie Madden, was very well attended and was a beautiful and fitting end to a beautiful day. Homilist Deacon Gilles drew attention to mothers in honor of Mother’s Day encouraging that Mary be the chosen model.

The 100th Anniversary Fatima Committee worked diligently to bring this beautiful day to reality. Thank you for your grand efforts and thank you to the many volunteers, those who inspired and encouraged this celebration, the bishops and priests present, including Father Chris who was unable to attend the celebration, the sisters, altar servers, catechists, musicians, sound crew, bearers of Our Lady and their coordinator, Couples for Christ, florist, carpenter, children carrying the Rosary, ushers, marshals, cooks and organizers of the food, lift operator, MC, gardeners, sacristans, seamstresses, leaders of the Rosary, lectors, greeters, Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, promoters, photographers, medical first aiders, and all the behind the scenes workers. We have been greatly blessed!

Holy Cross Parish would like to acknowledge the generous financial contributions from several sources, including the Knights of Columbus, Desjardin’s Funeral Chapel, Brunet Monuments, the Catholic Women’s League, along with the suppliers of banners, bottled water, safety vests and individual donors.