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(Observer screen grab/ Facebook:
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine a ministry of the Xaverian Missionaries) |
The Xaverian Missionaries, who maintain the shrine, are a religious community of priests and brothers founded in 1895 by Saint Guido M. Conforti, who was inspired by the life and dreams of St. Francis Xavier.
Masses are Sunday, 11 a.m. (Shrine Church); Monday–Saturday, Morning: 7:30 am (House Chapel); Tuesday, 7 p.m. for vocations (House Chapel); Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. (Shrine Church); Saturday, 10 a.m. Votive Mass to Our Lady (Shrine Church).
Why to go: Since it opened in 1947, its Facebook page says, “the shrine is a place of prayer and education for thousands of people annually.” Parish groups come for summer pilgrimages. In December there are Christmas lights that draw thousands. Throughout the year the Xaverian Missionaries hold education programs and retreats.
Special events: Fatima Days will resume in May and continue until October on the 13th of each month with a 7p.m. Liturgy of the Eucharist; 8 p.m. outdoor candlelight rosary with prayer of the Hail Mary in the different languages of the participants; 8:45–9:30 p.m. Fraternal Agape in the Shrine Hall (coffee, tea, cookies etc.) On May 13, there will also be a 6:30 p.m. praise and song gathering.
Amenities: The shrine is open daily, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Our Lady of Fatima Gift Shop is open 11a.m.– 6 p.m.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Absolutely.
Info: Address — Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, 101 Summer St., Holliston, MA 01746
Phone — 508/429-2144
Website — www.xaverianmissionaries.org/fatima-shrine-holliston-ma/
Facebook — Our Lady of Fatima Shrine a ministry of the Xaverian Missionaries
— CNS; Sharon Boehlefeld contributed to this story.
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