Fatima Day - Our Lady Statue

Announcements for the 5th Sunday of Easter

The announcements from this week’s bulletin are as follows:

FATIMA DAY

This will be on Saturday 13th May. There is a large number of pilgrims expected. The main celebrant will be Bishop Brian Mascord, Bishop of Wollongong. Weather permitting, Mass will be outside so please bring along chairs to sit on as there is only a limited number provided by the Shrine.

UPDATE ON FR GABRIEL

Fr Gabriel is officially on Palliative care. He can still talk and interact but it is very strenuous for him. He is on heavy pain medication and is now being given doses of morphine for the pain. Fr Richard has gone everyday and kept him company from about 12pm to 6pm. The members of the community have all visited and spent time with Father. Please keep him in your prayers for strength and perseverance and especially as he prepares to return home to the Father. Fr Gabriel thanks everyone for their prayers, love and support at this time.

If you would like to write or visit Fr Gabriel, the following are his details:

Holy Family Services Retirement Village
116-132 Quakers Road, Marayong NSW 2148

If you would like to phone him (02) 9678-8200 (This is to the front desk) Please call ahead to make an appointment to visit him, it is advised to visit him before 4pm.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA

Please refer to the website which is regularly updated, please encourage others to check it out to find out info about events happening in the Shrine. The Shrine also uses FaceBook and YouTube, please like, follow and subscribe for more information.

9:30am SUNDAY MASS

There has been a change to the Mass celebrated at 9:30am each Sunday which is usually celebrated in Polish. With the decline in numbers of congregants for the Polish Mass and many of the younger ones attending the English Masses, as well as no-one turning up for Easter Sunday, Fr Richard has made the following decision and change:

Commencing in May 2023

1st & 3rd Sundays of the Month, Mass will be celebrated in Polish

2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays of the Month, Mass will be celebrated in English

VOLUNTEERS NEEDS

There is still a need for helpers in the Shrine. If you would like to assist in any way or would like more information, please see Fr Richard.

PHOTOGRAPHER

Fr Joseph Maria is in charge of the Shrine photos and social media. He needs assistance as he cannot take photos when he is celebrant of the Mass or leading devotions. For anyone interested please speak to either Fr Joseph or Fr Richard.  

PASCHAL PRECEPT

A reminder that all Catholics are obliged to go to Confession and Holy Communion at least once a year between Ash Wednesday and Trinity Sunday (4th June).

Fatima Day, May 13th

Join us on May 13th for the solemn celebration of Fatima Day at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy Penrose Park! May 13th is Our Lady of Fatima’s Feast Day, and at the Shrine, we will have our Monthy Fatima Day.

Our Main Celebrant will be the Very Rev. Brian Mascord, Bishop of Wollongong. Pilgrims who come will have the opportunity to go to Confession, attend Mass and pray the Rosary. The complete program of the day is as follows:

  • 10 am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Confessions
  • 10:30 am Rosary
  • 11 am Solemn Mass
  • 12 noon Lunch
  • 1:30 pm Eucharistic Procession to the Gotto while reciting the Rosary.
  • 2 pm Prayers and Devotions at the Gotto, and blessing of pilgrims.

Below are some photos from our Fatima Day Procession Last year on October 13th. If you have been to a Fatima Day at the Shrine before, please share your experiences in the comments.