MARIA STEIN — The Spiritual Center in Maria Stein, Ohio, will conduct devotions, as they are in Fatima, Portugal, to honor the mother of God on Friday, Aug. 11. This is the 23rd year for this event.
Approximately 1,300 people have attended the event in recent years. Individuals from many different parishes gather for the honor and glory of God by paying tribute to Our Lady of Fatima. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. with a Mass celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph Binzer, auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. The Mass will be concelebrated by other local priests. Soon after Mass, when the sun has set, the rosary will be led over the PA system by members of various parishes. As each prayer is prayed a blue and white-lighted rosary will take form on the grounds, creating an impressive sight.
Following the rosary, the program concludes with a candle light procession led by a lighted cross and a statue of Our Lady of Fatima. Everyone is welcome to join in the procession. There will be candles and holders available—a donation will be accepted to help defray costs.
In the year 1917, Mary, the mother of God, appeared to three shepherd children in the small village of Fatima in Portugal. From May to October, on the 13th day of each month, Our Lady appeared to little Jacinta and Francisco Marto, and Lucia Santos. She revealed important messages for the world through them and requested that everyone pray the rosary in a spirit of repentance, make reparation for sin, and spread devotion to her Immaculate Heart.
During the last apparition in October the blessed mother, as she had promised the children, performed a miracle that was witnessed by nearly 100,000 people. The sun appeared to dance around in the sky and then to plummet toward the earth, terrifying the people who saw it. It was also reported by many journalists and government officials, who were present, that the muddy ground and soaked people — even though it had been raining hard all morning — were completely dry after the mid-day miracle of the sun ended.
The story of Fatima is one whose message is relevant today since there is such great turmoil in so many countries, in families, and in hearts throughout the world.
It is suggested that participants bring a lawn chair, flashlight, and a sweater or jacket in case the evening gets chilly. There will be handicap, and bus parking, and general parking on the grounds. It should be noted that there will be no food or beverages sold at the event.
