THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 7, 1996 TAG: 9604050160
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 19 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY GARY EDWARDS, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines
About 25 people gathered at the oceanfront last weekend to send a small religious statue off on a cross-country mission of peace.
An hourlong ceremony was held at the 24th Street Park in recognition of the Virgin of Fatima Relic Statue and to consecrate the city and spread the message of peace, said Sister Gayanne Maria, director of the Divine Mercy Apostolate in Portsmouth.
The statue is a representation of Mary, Mother of Jesus, as she appeared to three children in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. The Catholic church approved the apparitions and the message of Fatima has been widely promulgated since.
Many of those attending the ceremony held prayer beads and participated in the hour of singing and prayers, led by the sister. A 22-member children's choir sang at the closing of the consecration.
The Lady of Fatima has a strong following. Pope John Paul II credited Our Lady of Fatima with saving his life after an attempted assassination. Pope Pius XII launched the first Pilgrim Virgin in 1947, saying that world war could have been averted had more people heard the message of Fatima.
``The Pope has called for consecration of cities and their citizens throughout the world, to bring the message of peace to as many as possible,'' said Sister Gayanne Maria, speaking above the noise of car stereos on nearby Atlantic Avenue and the roar of jet engines streaking overhead.
City councilman Robert Dean, who appeared on behalf of Mayor Meyera Oberndorf, said the event was timely.
``The message of peace and healing comes at a significant moment in our city. We are suffering, going through a period of trial and tribulation, but we will heal and grow together,'' said Dean.
The statue will remain in Virginia Beach until April 13 and begin an itinerary that will take it around the country.
``I do know it will be in San Jose, Calif., and I know New York and the Midwest, but the exact itinerary, I'm not sure of at this point,'' said the nun who will make her own first trip to Fatima, Portugal, next month.
``I'm excited. It's very appropriate that it should happen now.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by GARY EDWARDS
Christopher Laser participated in the ceremony to start the Virgin
of Fatima Relic Statue on its national tour to spread the message of
peace.
by CNB