Luke 11: 27-28 Now as he was speaking, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said, “Happy the womb that bore you and the breasts you suckled! But he replied, Still happier those who hear the word of God and keep it.”

Though not being physically present at Fatima, the surroundings of SFX church with the statue of our Lady of Fatima glowing, set the mood for an encounter with Mary on this special feast day. Something which happened 100 years ago come alive in a special way through two simple lines from the Gospel of St Luke at the 100th Anniversary celebration of Our Lady of Fatima’s apparition.

We were also told that Mary is a pilgrim that follows Jesus and has always obeyed God, especially when she consented to “your will be done”, and thereafter faithfully joined Jesus at the foot of the cross. It was also through her cooperation and participation in salvation that she became a channel of God’s grace. In this context, we should also be pilgrims with Mary and not pilgrims of Mary and when we participate in God’s love and obey Him we too become shadows of grace.

Mary also has much humility and tenderness and these are virtues of the strong and not the weak. But the strong need not treat others poorly in order to feel important themselves. Therefore, we as pilgrims should show the tenderness of God, and when we do this, we will not push aside or reject people.

The Rosary is a powerful prayer, it has eradicated wars and brought peace. Even in these current times we need to pray for peace.

When reciting the rosary we should contemplate the moments of Mary’s life through the sacred Mysteries (Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious). More importantly, it is necessary for mothers to have the tenderness of Mary and should therefore gather their children to pray, ultimately leading to peace and concord in the family. Fr Lawrence then blessed and placed the crown on our Lady thus marking the beginning of a journey of prayer and peace within the BEC communities, homes, and families.