Queen of the Nation and of Hearts
Colombia, 1998. The Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima travels through several cities of the country, led by the Knights of the Virgin – as the Heralds of the Gospel became known – with their founder, Msgr. João Scognamiglio Clá Dias, making a lasting impression on hearts. Twenty-six years later, the Blessed Virgin wanted to be with her children once more, in a continuation of the graces that She showered on them in those days, proving that She truly is Queen of Colombia.
Therefore, from May 1-10, the choir and orchestra of the Heralds of the Gospel of Brazil went on tour through Colombia, drawing thousands of souls to praise of the Mother of God. Presentations were held in Movistar Stadium, in Bogota; in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Shrine in Armenia; in the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, in Pereira; in the Church of Santa Monica in Cali; in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary of Palmar in Palmira; in the Cathedral of Our Lady Queen in Barranquilla; in the Cathedral of Santa Marta, in the city of the same name; in the Plaza Mayor of Medellin; and in the Cathedral of San Nicolás, in Rionegro.
The entire programme was widely publicized by the main local radio and television channels.
United States – The Heralds of the Gospel carried out a Marian Mission in May at St. Michael Parish, in Hudson (MA), during which the parish was consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Also in May, the Pilgrim Statue visited the premises of St. Benedict Classical Academy, in Natick (MA), bringing Mary’s message of faith and hope to teachers and students.
Italy – Several Marian missions were also carried out on Italian soil in the month dedicated to the Mother of God. The photos feature events in San Ferdinando, in Reggio Calabria; in the Church of the Holy Guardian Angels, in Rome, where the Pilgrim Statue was crowned by Auxiliary Bishop Daniele Salera; and in Fisciano, Salerno.
El Salvador – On May 4, employees from Valle El Ángel, in San Salvador, gathered at the church under construction at the Spirituality Centre of the Heralds of the Gospel in San Salvador, for a moment of prayer with the Virgin of Fatima, at the end of which there was a distribution of food and clothing, followed by a generous snack and fellowship.
Frederico Westphalen (Brazil) – To support the population of Rio Grande do Sul in the wake of the catastrophic floods that devastated the state, the Heralds of the Gospel contributed their gift of song to the procession held in Frederico Westphalen for the centenary of Blesseds Manuel González and Adílio Daronch, who were martyred in the city of Três Passos on May 21, 1924. After the procession, Diocesan Bishop Antônio Carlos Rossi Keller celebrated a Solemn Mass.
Montes Claros (Brazil) – Approximately three thousand people participated in the 3rd Pilgrimage of Miracles, held on May 19 in honour of Our Lady of Fatima. Between prayers and songs, the faithful walked a distance of thirteen kilometres, from Estrada da Produção to the Church of Our Lady of Claríssimos Montes, where they attended Holy Mass.
Ecuador – In the month of May, the Pilgrim Statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary visited the government headquarters of the Province of Azuay, where She was crowned by Governor Santiago Malo; the 80th Artillery Group of the Ecuadorian Army, in Cuenca; and the Cathedral of St. Francis, in Azogues, during a welcoming Mass presided by Diocesan Bishop Oswaldo Vintimilla Cabrera.
