Fifty-five pilgrims from across the Diocese of Ossory travelled from Kilkenny to the world-famous shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal earlier this month as part of the annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage. The week-long pilgrimage was led by Fr. Willie Purcell, who was making his 30th visit to the Marian shrine. He was joined by Fr. Roderick Whearty.
Throughout the week, the pilgrims took part in a full programme of liturgies, processions, and devotions. Mass was celebrated in some of Fatima’s most sacred sites — in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, where the three visionaries St. Jacinta, St. Francisco, and Sr. Lucia are buried; in the Parish Church of Fatima, where they were baptised; and in the Capelinha (Chapel of the Apparitions), the very place where Our Lady appeared to the children in 1917.
The Ossory group was once again honoured to lead the English-speaking Mass at the Chapel of the Apparitions — a highlight of the pilgrimage and a moment of deep prayer and reflection for all present. “It is always a privilege to return to Fatima with pilgrims from Ossory,” said Fr. Purcell. “Each visit deepens our faith and reminds us of the message of peace, hope, and prayer that Our Lady shared with the world.”
Bishop Niall Coll sent his blessings to the Pilgrims and assured them of his prayer during their time of pilgrimage. The pilgrimage was organised by Manning Travel /World choice, who handled all travel and accommodation arrangements for the group.
