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Diocese of Mangalore holds centenary celebration of Fatima apparition.

Most Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza the Bishop of Mangalore joined by Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu and 52 priests celebrated the thanksgiving mass on 13th May at Our Lady of Fatima Church Tannirbavi to commemorate one hundred years Mother Mary’s apparition to the three children at Fatima of Portugal.

The Bishop in his message said that the Catholic Church has grown spiritually because of Mother Mary’s apparition at Fatima. Millions of people visit Fatima every year and go back changed- change of life.  He also said that today Pope Francis is Canonising the two of the three children (Francisco and Jacintha) as Saints whom Mother Mary appeared in 1917.

The statue of Our Lady of Fatima was brought in procession from Bondel Church at 3.30 pm to Dost Club ground Tannirbavi. From Dost Club Tannirbavi the statue was taken at 4 pm  in a solemn procession to Our Lady of Tannirbavi Church grounds. Fr Joseph Martis the Rector of St Joseph Seminary Jeppu preached a homily during the Holy Mass. In his homily he highlighted the message of Mother Mary given to the three shepherd children ( Lucia 10 yrs, Francisco 8 yrs and Jacintha 7yrs) i.e. call to prayer, penance and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

On this occasion the Bishop also released a documentary movie on Our Lady of Fatima produced by Fr Stany Monteiro of St Mary Vianny Church Bambil. Fr Claud Cord the Dominican Friar from St Dominic Church Ashoknagar spoke on the importance of praying Rosary.
4,500 people participated in the programme. Fr Alban Rodrigues the Parish Priest of Tannirbavi welcomed the dignitaries and the people. Fr Francis D’souza the convener of the programmed thanked all those who worked and contributed to make the programme a successful one. Mr Felix D’Souza the vice president, Mr Clifford Lobo former vice president were present on the occasion.