By Elaine Prosper – St Francis of Assisi parish in Vanderbijlpark celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima on May 17 with Holy Mass led by Fr Patrick Moholobela OFM, followed by a candlelit procession. The lit candles served as a powerful symbol, illuminating and reminding all of their call to be led by faith.
Reflecting upon the richness of the culturally diverse parish, the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary were prayerfully recited in English, Portuguese, Sotho, Croatian and Polish.
As the statue of Our Lady was reverently returned to the Altar, the hymn “Ó Virgem do Rosário” was sung with white handkerchiefs waved. This hymn is a devotional title for Mother Mary which is associated with the apparitions at Fatima and encouraging the faithful to pray the Rosary.
The waving of white handkerchiefs is a traditional sign of farewell and deep devotion – white symbolising the purity of Our Blessed Mother. Photos: Nathan Relva, Celina Cachucho and Elaine Prosper
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