Hundreds gathered at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King on Monday 2 June for the visitation of the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima and the relics of Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto.

The event marked one hundred years since the devotion of the Five First Saturdays was revealed to Sister Lucia, one of the Fatima visionaries, in December 1925. The statue and relics are currently touring cathedrals across England and Wales as part of a national programme organised by the World Apostolate of Fatima.

The Five First Saturdays devotion is closely linked to the message of Fatima, which calls us to pray, make small sacrifices, and work for peace. During this Jubilee Year of Hope, the Church is encouraging people to renew their devotion, seeing it as a way to grow closer to God and bring peace into their lives and the world. It invites us to comfort Mary’s heart and follow Jesus with more love and trust, especially in difficult times.

The day began with a welcome and a procession, followed by Mass celebrated by Archbishop John Sherrington. Schools from across the archdiocese attended the morning liturgy, including pupils from All Saints, Our Lady Queen of Peace, St Monica’s, Notre Dame, and St Cuthbert’s. Volunteers from the cathedral community supported the procession and services throughout the day.

Following Mass, there was an opportunity for veneration of the relics and the statue of Our Lady of Fatima. The programme continued with the Rosary, a talk and film on the Fatima message, enrolment in the Brown Scapular, and a Holy Hour with Benediction and Reconciliation. A second Mass at5pm concluded the day.

Further information on the devotion can be found at worldfatima-englandwales.org.uk

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