6,227 Roses Offered to Our Virgin Mother in Fatima

May 2022 Candlelight Procession and Rose Delivery in Fatima

Last Sunday, May 8th, we celebrated Mother's Day in the United States. The truth is that we should celebrate mothers every day of the year, because they are looking after their children, and even their grandchildren, 24 hours a day. But I think it's a very good idea that they have a designated day on the calendar. And what better date than a Sunday in May, the month of the Virgin.

This year, thousands of devotees of Our Lady joined the America Needs Fatima initiative and have sent a rose(s) to the Shrine of Fatima, in honor of their mothers, living and deceased, as a tribute to the Mother par excellence, the Most Pure Mother, the Mother of all men, the Most Holy Virgin Mary.

At five o'clock in the afternoon of May 13th, the bells of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima, with its characteristic Ave Maria melody, announced the offering of multicolored white, red, yellow and pink roses on the esplanade of the Sanctuary. The name of each mother was written in small letters, on a large banner with a photo of the Virgin. The ceremony was simple, but emotional. The representatives of America Needs Fatima explained to the gathering pilgrims about the beautiful symbolism of those roses that would later adorn the Virgin's altar.

The day before, during the massive candlelight procession, pilgrims from far and near were able to contemplate with surprise and admiration a unique banner of the Virgin Mary. The names of thousands of America Needs Fatima Members and Friends appeared on our banner and who joined our volunteers (in spirit) at the annual candlelight procession.

The procession began, as usual, at 9:30 p.m. with the recitation of the Holy Rosary in various languages. And when, between each mystery of the rosary, the Ave de Fátima was sung, the pilgrims raised their candles, creating a sea of candles above which the image of the Virgin stood out, advancing slowly through the crowd. As always, the procession was led by a large, luminous cross and banners.

Oh, generous Children of Mary who have greeted the Blessed Virgin Mother with these roses on her feast day, symbolically your mothers were there, next to her, under her protection and her mantle. Hopefully one day you can come in person, and participate in these acts of love for Holy Mary.

We would like to thank all our America Needs Fatima friends and supporters who made this beautiful offering to Our Blessed Mother a reality! THANK YOU!