By Sibu SOCCOM
SIBU (13 October) — More than 2,000 devotees gathered at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Sibu to honour and pray to Our Lady of Fatima on this beautiful and blessed evening of Friday 13 October 2023.
The 7.30 pm Mass was celebrated by Rector Fr Philip Hu and concelebrated by Bishop Emeritus Dominic Su and Fr Edward Raymond.
In his homily, Fr Philip recalled the history of the apparitions of Our Lady at Fatima before three peasant children Lucio, Jacinta and Francisco in six different occasions over the period of 13 May to 13 October in the year 1917 in Portugal.
Also known as Our Lady of the Rosary, the Marian apparitions have attracted many devotees throughout the world.
In the Sacred Heart Cathedral, there are the English Curia and Chinese Curia with numerous praesidiums.
Fr Philip thanked all devotees who have come from different areas of Sibu to celebrate the Mass and partake in the procession tonight to honour our Mother Mary. He thanked the Chinese Curia under the leadership of Phillip Kong for the preparation of tonight’s celebration and procession.
He reminded those present that the Grotto and statue of Our Lady of Fatima together with its pathway is undergoing construction at Sacred Heart Cathedral. It is estimated to cost RM2 million.
It is hoped that it will be officially launched on the birthday of our Mother in 2024. All are encouraged to play their part to see the completion of this beautiful Grotto in honour of Our Lady of Fatima.
After the Mass, the procession of Our Lady of Fatima began within the compound of the Cathedral. Many were seen praying with lighted candles and roses after the procession at the statue of Our Lady.
