Recent Developments
We would like to let our readers know about recent activities
and developments within our Fatima apostolate. At the same time we ask for your
support and prayers for the continued success of Our Lady's work. There is no
doubt about it, without your generosity this apostolate would not succeed. Our
Lady would like each of us to do what we can by giving spiritual and material
support. She will do the rest by showering Her graces on us Her children.
First we want to inform you that on May 31, 1978, elections were
held to fill vacancies on the Board of Directors. The following is a complete
list of the officers and directors of the National Committee:
President and Chairman - Mr. Gerard Frey
Vice President and
Executive Director - Father Nicholas Gruner
Director - Miss Veronica
Houlahan
Director - Mr. Denis Lynch
Director - Mr. Thomas White
Secretary - Miss Debbie Williams
We are certain that you will join us in thanking the former
directors and officers of the National Committee for the many hours they have
devoted to the work of Our Blessed Mother. Please remember us all in your
prayers so that we can continue the work of this apostolate with Our Lady's
help and Our Lord's Blessing.
Bishops Crown the Pilgrim Virgin Statue
Our readers will be happy to hear that the National Pilgrim
Virgin of Canada is being so well received at the diocesan level. In August
1977, Our Lady's Statue was crowned in a special ceremony in St. Joseph's
Cathedral in Edmonton. Archbishop Routhier, the retired Archbishop of Grouard -
McLennan was in attendance. The next day local television news featured the
visit of the Pilgrim Virgin to the diocese of Edmonton.
In early September, Bishop Fergus O'Grady crowned the Statue of
Our Lady in the Cathedral dedicated to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and
shortly afterwards the Statue was taken on a diocesan tour of Prince George. On
the same occasion Bishop O'Grady consecrated his diocese to the Immaculate
Heart of Mary.
Later, in October and November, the Statue toured the largest
diocese of Canada, Mackenzie-Fort Smith, in the Northwest Territories. Here
Bishop Paul Piché, after crowning the Statue of Our Lady, consecrated
his diocese to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This was followed by the
consecration of the Cathedral parish by the Rector. Then heads of families
consecrated their families to Our Lady. These diocesan consecrations are
especially significant because Our Lady requested that the Catholic Bishops
together with the Pope consecrate the world to Her Immaculate Heart. Each time
a diocese is consecrated to Her Immaculate Heart, Her request is being
partially fulfilled.
It is indeed fitting that dioceses be consecrated to the
Immaculate Heart of Mary in a public manner by the bishops who are the
successors of the Apostles.
Saint John, New Brunswick
At the invitation of Msgr. Gallagher, pastor of Stella Maris in
Saint John, New Brunswick, Father Nicholas Gruner assisted at the various
ceremonies and events scheduled for the Canadian Pilgrim Virgin's visit to
Saint John. Our Lady was enthusiastically received by several thousand people
which included high school students, senior citizens, parishioners of several
parishes, and many religious. Father Nicholas enrolled many people in the Brown
Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Our Lady's Van
The van of Our Lady of Fatima was purchased in 1975. This was
possible through the generosity of many who responded to the 1974 appeal for
funds to purchase a van to bring Our Lady to you in Her travels across Canada.
The van presently has over 67,000 miles on it after crossing Canada three
times. It seems probable that within a year or so it will have to be replaced.
We know that we can rely on your generosity once more.
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