Feast of Our Lady of Fatima: A million Rosaries for 'good leaders' (photos)

by Melani Manel Perera

The initiative aims to encourage Catholics to pray for the presidential elections on 16 November. The ceremony took place on 13 October at Ekala-Jaela parish. Members of the World Apostolate of Fatima also participated.

Colombo (AsiaNews) – Several hundred Catholics from the Archdiocese of Colombo attended the feast of Our Lady of Fatima at St Mathew parish in Ekala-Jaela last Sunday, 13 October, the day of the Virgin’s last appearance to the three little shepherds, Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco, and the Miracle of the Sun in 1917.

Several members of the World Apostolate of Fatima were present at the service. For the occasion, the association's chaplain called for the recitation of a million rosaries ahead of Sri Lanka’s upcoming elections, and prayers for the election of good leaders.

Sunday’s ceremony began around 3 pm with a short procession, with the statue of Our Lady of Fatima carried to the altar. The prayer included the recitation of 20 Mysteries of the Rosary, the Crown of Divine Mercy, and a blessing, followed by a concluding Mass.

The Apostolate’s chaplain, Fr N Shelton Dias, explained the meaning of the feast and the Miracle of the Sun during which the sun lit up the rainy sky for ten minutes, changed dimension and direction almost projecting itself onto the Earth.

He stressed that "three small children are behind the great story of Our Lady of Fatima. If they had not obeyed Our Lady, we would not have been lucky enough to know her message. We must pay attention to those selected by the Holy Spirit."

Some members of the association expressed their devotion. “The Blessed Mother lived amid difficulties and problems,” said Mandhakini Wickremasuriya, 23, from Sarikkamulla parish. “This is why she is a good example for all girls, to lead a just life.”

Cecil Fernando, 64, from Walana and Panadura parish, said that he was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, although he never took a sip of alcohol. Entrusting himself to Our Lady, he said "next week I will do an ultrasound. I hope the Virgin will have healed me."

At the end of the Mass, Fr Shelton suggested to all the faithful to join the initiative of ‘A million rosaries’ ahead of the presidential elections of 16 November. He invited everyone to pray 40 Mysteries of the Rosary in a month, from13 October until 13 November, so that the people of Sri Lanka can elect "good leaders for our country".