By Sunil Rodrigues
A procession was held at the Notre Dame Church Cloverdale Parish on Saturday 11 May to commemorate the historical event of the first appearance of Our Lady of Fatima.
On 13 May 1917, three Portuguese children – Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco – witnessed apparitions of Our Lady in Fatima, Portugal.
Leading the celebrations was Cloverdale Parish Priest Fr Michael Quynh Do, who offered special intentions during the recital of the Holy Rosary by those present.
Among the intentions offered were for peace in the world, for the 2020 Plenary Council in Australia, and for the intentions of those present in the Church.
Four parishioners carried a statue of Our Lady from the Church and processed through the school grounds while reciting the Holy Rosary.
Parishioners made their way back to the Church, ending the rosary with the final prayers.
Fr Quynh remarked that the event was a reverent and beautiful service to Our Lady of Fatima, who looked radiant in the evening sky, as the parishioners processed with her.
“Held on the eve of Mother’s Day, it was a fitting tribute to our heavenly Mother who has always prayed for us and protected us from all dangers,” he expressed.