The International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima will make its first-ever trip to the Camden Diocese next month, offering opportunities at various parishes for South Jersey faithful to venerate Mary.
Sculpted in 1947 by Jose Thedim, the statue is based on the description of Sr. Lucia, one of the three young seers who saw Our Lady each month from May to October 1917 in Fatima, Portugal.
On Oct. 13, 1947, in the presence of some 150,000 pilgrims, the statue was blessed by the Bishop of Leiria at Fatima, Portugal to be the pilgrim, the traveler.
Following are the parishes hosting the statue, and dates. For Mass schedules and times, contact individual parishes.
May 1: The Parish of Saint Josephine Bakhita, Camden
May 2: Most Precious Blood, West Collingswood
May 3: St. Peter, Merchantville
May 4: Saint Anthony of Padua, Camden
May 5-6: Saint Stephen, Pennsauken
May 7: Saint Andrew the Apostle, Gibbsboro
May 8: Saint Bridget, Glassboro
May 9-10: Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, Atlantic City
May 11: Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit, Mullica Hill
May 12: Saint Mary of Mount Carmel, Hammonton
May 13: Saint Rose of Lima, Haddon Heights
May 14-15: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden
May 16: Saint Vincent de Paul, Mays Landing
May 17: Saint Joseph Pro-Cathedral, Camden
May 18: Holy Saviour Church, Westmont (Blessed Teresa Parish)
May 19: Saint Brendan the Navigator, Avalon
May 21: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Galloway