The preparation for the special feast will begin on 11 February with the recitation of a novena. People may once again attend it in person.
Portugal – Fatima (09/02/2022 17:00, Gaudium Press) On 20 February, the Shrine of Fatima in Portugal will solemnly celebrate the Day of the Little Shepherds. This year’s feast, which people may once again attend in person, will begin with a novena starting on the 11th. On this same date a daily podcast will be published with a reading of the Memoirs and a meditation inspired by the spirituality of the Little Shepherds, Francisco and Jacinta Marto.
Little Shepherds’ Novena
The proposal of the Little Shepherds’ Novena is to reflect upon nine themes: “Union of wills: when my will is God’s will“; “Union of Hearts“; “God’s name cannot be pronounced; we cannot fail pronouncing it“; “If it is a secret, it cannot be said!”; “Before the eternal, there is no time“; “From sacrifice, I do not hide!“; “No other height, but that of the lowest“; “The sweet Christ dressed in white” and “The change“.
Vigil at the tombs of Francisco and Jacinta Marto
On the 19th there will be a vigil, with a moment of veneration at the tombs of the Saints in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima. Cardinal António Marto will celebrate a Solemn Mass on the 20th, completing the liturgical program that honours the memory of the first two Saints of Fatima, the youngest non-martyrs of the Catholic saints.
Musical Concert and Procession
Also on the 20th, there will be a Concert of the Little Shepherds, with the Ricercare Choir; and there will be a procession with the two official images of Francisco and Jacinta to the Basilica of the Trinity, after the praying of the Rosary at 10 o’clock. The entire program can be followed by the devout faithful through the social networks of the Portuguese Shrine of Fatima (Facebook and Youtube). (EPC)
Compiled by Sandra Chisholm
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