In a sort of reverse pilgrimage in this Jubilee Year marked by our visiting designated shrines, Our Lady of Fatima came to us. It was Sunday, August 24, 2025, when four zealous members of the “Alliance of the Two Hearts” arrived with the Pilgrim Statue. Members of this organization facilitate programs where a statue of Mary visits a parish for a period of time, serving as a focus for family prayer and promotion of a way of life centered on the united hearts of Jesus and Mary. Two Little Sisters were at a Church Collection when they encountered and invited these family missionaries to come to Holy Family Home.
Our Chaplain, Father James Sullivan, and Mother Celine Thérèse warmly welcomed the missionaries and planned Mary’s visit a few days in advance. When the day arrived, Residents responded to Mary’s presence by coming to Sunday Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and Benediction in record numbers. Before Holy Mass, two members of the Alliance, robed in cassocks and surpluses, processed with the Pilgrim statue to the sanctuary. There Father Sullivan presided over the blessing of the images of the Two Hearts, the investiture of those who so desired with the Brown Scapular, and leading the assembly in the “Family Consecration to the Holy Family.” He reminded us that all these manifestations of Marian devotion are pathways to living with C.A.R.E. – Confession, Adoration, Rosary, Eucharist — “to restore and strengthen holiness, unity, and healing of brokenness in all of God’s family.” That is the goal of the “Alliance of the Two Hearts” Movement.
Spirited singing and reverent praying filled our chapel. The Sunday liturgy of the Word lent itself to the occasion. In his homily, while commenting on the readings, Father Sullivan tied in the importance of going to Jesus through Mary as preached by Pope John Paul II.
Eucharistic adoration followed Mass. Residents leaving the chapel after a quiet time with Jesus and Mary remarked: “Those people who brought the statue are still here!” Yes, the four missionaries set the example, praying before the Blessed Sacrament or speaking softly with Residents outside chapel all afternoon. After Evening Prayer and Benediction, they graciously distributed the beautiful white roses with which they had adorned Mary’s pedestal to the Residents. “These roses are blessed because they are given by such holy people!” said Dorothy. Bill summed up the day by declaring: “The Blessed Mother must be very happy!” Apartment Resident Barbara later mused: “The Pilgrim Statue might be gone, but Mary’s presence is still very much with us!”
