Jeanne Jugan Residence hit the road, traveling on a pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine. Upon reaching the shrine we had quiet time until Mass. Mass was followed by an interesting presentation, which provided information regarding the shrine’s history, its layout, and the Xaverian Missions organization with which the shrine is affiliated. Staff and volunteers then served lunch to the residents, followed by a period of free time.
Although the day was unusually hot, residents were pleased to discover temperate shady spots spread throughout the grounds, from which they admired the Stations of the Cross, statues of the Fatima apparitions, and the especially popular Rosary Walk while still remaining cool. The Rosary Walk consisted of 59 rocks spanning the grounds, linked together by chain, in replication of a rosary. Fifty three of the rocks displayed the “Hail Mary” prayer in different languages, and several residents and staff-members enjoyed exploring the “beads” and attempting to pray in different tongues.
Afterwards, everyone returned to the air conditioned chapel to escape the heat and pray a rosary before departing for home. The bus ride home was noticeably quieter than the drive to the shrine, as it featured a surprise pit stop for ice cream, and all aboard were kept busy devouring the sweet treat. All in all, the pilgrimage to Holliston proved to be a busy and enjoyable day of reflecting on the Fatima apparitions and messages, drawing closer to Our Lady of Fatima through the rosary, and having fun exploring the shrine’s different features. We are blessed to have had the opportunity to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fatima in such a unique and exciting manner with so many of our residents.
Pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine