Celebrating 101st anniversary of Apparition of Fatima in Portugal

LAFLIN — Oct. 13 is a day where Catholics all over the world turn to the Blessed Virgin Mary for faith, hope, and guidance by celebrating and recognizing the anniversary of the Apparition of Fatima in Portugal.

More than 75 men, women and children made their way to the Oblates of St. Joseph Seminary grotto on Route 315 to pray at the Public Square Rosary Rally, a prayer rally held all over the world with 23,000 being held just in the U.S. on this date. This year marked the 101st anniversary of the Apparition of Fatima.

The Apparition of Fatima is where the Blessed Mother appeared to three children in 1917. The children reported seeing the Blessed Virgin Mary a total of six times between May 13 and Oct. 13, 2017. It is said 30,000 to 100,000 people assembled for the last appearance in 2017.

Bishop José Alves Correia da Silva declared the “event worth of believe” on Oct. 13, 930.

Rev. Joseph Sibliano, OSJ, led the prayers and rosary at the grotto on the grounds of the Oblates of St. Joseph. Recording artist Ernie Pappa played his guitar and sang prior to and during the rally and rosary beads in the shape of blue helium balloons were released at the beginning of the prayer service. The balloons were constructed by St. Joseph’s homeschooling co-op.

“I thought this is such a beautiful testament, especially since the church is under such fire; it’s a reminder that the rosary is our weapon and people need to be reminded,” Theresa Stec, of Dallas, said. “It’s what we are relying on for our strength.”

Al Zangardi, of Pittston Twp., was on hand to commemorate the 101st anniversary of the visions at Fatima and to pray to the Blessed Mother. “We are lacking right now, regardless the faith you believe in or any faith, is spirituality in this country and that’s why we are so divided,” Zangardi said. “We lost our human spirit.”

Marie Germata, of Plains, brought her family to honor the Blessed Mother. “We are here to honor the feast day of the pray for peace in the world for the 101th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima.”

Also joining in the rally were students from Holy Redeemer who participated in an overnight retreat at the Oblates.

Rev. Sibliano celebrated Mass directly after the rally.

Theresa Stec, of Dalton, standing, helps build and assemble a rosary bead made from helium balloons that were released at the beginning of the Public Square Rosary Rally at the Oblates of St. Joseph, Route 315, Laflin on Oct. 13. From left, first row, are Gabriel Stec, 14; Claudia Salas, West Wyoming. Middle row, Benedict Stec, 4; Therese Stec, 9.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_Rally1.jpgTheresa Stec, of Dalton, standing, helps build and assemble a rosary bead made from helium balloons that were released at the beginning of the Public Square Rosary Rally at the Oblates of St. Joseph, Route 315, Laflin on Oct. 13. From left, first row, are Gabriel Stec, 14; Claudia Salas, West Wyoming. Middle row, Benedict Stec, 4; Therese Stec, 9. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Marie Gernata, Plains, prays the rosary during the rally.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_Rally2.jpgMarie Gernata, Plains, prays the rosary during the rally. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Rosary beads in the form of helium balloons were released at the Oblates of St. Joseph to note the 101st anniversary of the Apparition of Fatima, Portugal. T

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_Rally3.jpgRosary beads in the form of helium balloons were released at the Oblates of St. Joseph to note the 101st anniversary of the Apparition of Fatima, Portugal. T Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Al Zengardi, right, takes part in the 101st anniversary of the Blessed Mother Mary appearing to three children in Portugal.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_Rally4.jpgAl Zengardi, right, takes part in the 101st anniversary of the Blessed Mother Mary appearing to three children in Portugal. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

More than 75 people attended a Public Square Rosary Rally at the grotto of the Oblates of St. Joseph grounds in Laflin to honor the 101st anniversary of the appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. It is said the Blessed Mother appeared six times in total to three children of Fatima.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/web1_Rally5.jpgMore than 75 people attended a Public Square Rosary Rally at the grotto of the Oblates of St. Joseph grounds in Laflin to honor the 101st anniversary of the appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. It is said the Blessed Mother appeared six times in total to three children of Fatima. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch