Pope Francis will be in Fatima on May 12-13

The Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, France, has joined the Shrine of Fatima, Portugal, for the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the apparitions. The Shrine of Lourdes will broadcast the celebrations during Pope Francis’ pilgrimage to Fatima. The pope had announced his intention to visit Fatima in April 2015, and his visit to the Marian shrine on May 12 and 13, 2017, was confirmed by the Holy See on December 17, 2016.

A special program at the Shrine of Lourdes, from May to October, will include an exhibit on the major Marian shrines, Marian processions with statues of Our Lady of Fatima, and a film about the Apparitions in Lourdes and Fatima. In Lourdes, the 13th of each month this year will be entirely dedicated to Fatima. This "communion with Fatima" will culminate with the celebration of a Mass of thanksgiving for the intentions of Pope Francis, on May 15, 2017.

"Each shrine reveals part of Mary's mission and each one has a particular charism, without contradicting the others’ charism," said a document sent by the Shrine of Lourdes to the Shrine of Fatima.

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