AVALON – May 13 marked the 100th anniversary of The Fatima appearance of our Blessed Mother in Portugal in 1917. This special anniversary is celebrated all over the world with a big turnout locally in Cape May County.
Nearly 400 people gathered at the Maris Stella Church in Avalon, a part of St. Brendan the Navigator parish, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fatima.
Parishioners and special guests including the Knights of Columbus and the Equestrian Order of Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem gathered for a celebratory mass. A special statue of Our Lady of Fatima was carried into the church, which is used for prayer and to spiritually unite the faithful to the jubilee celebration on the days of the apparitions.
During mass the Fatima Statue was blessed by Father Mark Cavagnaro and crowned by church youth.
Song and prayer filled the church for this special celebration that took six months of planning by a very dedicated group of parishioners. Coordinator Rosemary Mancinelli explains “This is the only time we will ever be able to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fatima.” Her dedication and excitement was evident by her massive smile and the gratitude she received from the entire congregation.
Due to inclement weather, the dedication of the outdoor grotto was cancelled. Instead parishioners gathered on the alter after mass offering prayer to Fatima and taking photos.
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