DEVOTEES will no longer have to go abroad just to visit the Capelinha de Fatima or the Chapel of our Lady of Fatima in Portugal as it will be brought closer to Filipinos, particularly in Cebu.
The Archdiocese of Cebu announced Wednesday, March 23, 2022, that the Capelinha de Fátima Replica, which was constructed in Tinubdan Hills in Barangay Lambusan, San Remigio town in northern Cebu, will be blessed and consecrated on April 4.
This is said to be the first replica in Asia, with the United States, Brazil and Puerto Rico as the first three areas to have replicated this in the world.
The replica has the same structural features as that of the chapel in Ourem, Portugal such as the Stations of the Cross, the image of the Portugal’s Angel of Peace, a replica of the “Valinhos site” where the Lady of Fatima first appeared, a rosary garden and a gazebo.
Rev. Msgr. Ruben Labajo, vicar general and World Apostolate of Fatima (WAF) Cebu spiritual director, said the lot was donated by Fr. Lyndon Ruiz and the construction of the chapel alone cost around P35 million which they raised from benefactors.
Labajo said the program will start from April 3 in the evening until April 4, when they will have the Children Fatima Play, Overnight Vigil (rosary in different languages, Marian songs, testimonies), Fatima Experience “Light of Asia” Candlelight Procession and a mass led by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.
Fr. Francisco Pereira, chaplain of the Shrine of Fatima, will serve as one of the guests and he will bring with him the replica image and relics of Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto, two of the three children who first witnessed the Fatima apparitions from 1916 to 1917.
6,000 expected
About 6,000 pilgrims are expected to join the big event including benefactors, guests, bishops from other archdioceses, and local government officials.
With regard to the guidelines, pilgrims with IDs or wristbands issued by the Archdiocese will be allowed to enter the barricaded area with allocated seats only at 4 p.m. on April 3.
Covid-19 vaccination cards are not required when entering the venue, but they should wear their masks at all times.
Bringing of handbags is allowed, but backpacks, firearms, bladed weapons and lighters are prohibited in the area.
Labajo said bringing umbrellas and food is highly encouraged and chairs for those who were not issued wristbands.
However, there will be concessionaires selling food, candles and souvenirs during the event.
Apart from that, only those cars with stickers will be allowed to enter Barangay Tacup (adjacent to the chapel site) and park at the designated parking areas.
Labajo said there will be six jeepneys that will transport the pilgrims through the 2.5-kilometer road toward the venue, and that they will prioritize senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
The Archdiocese, however, said all of the 6,000 allocated seats had already been allotted to those who made the early registration.
Of the number, 2,000 were allocated for leaders and members of the Marian Organizations in the Archdiocese, while 4,000 were for the benefactors, guests and the general public.
They may claim their wristbands from March 26 to April 3 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the General Secretariat Headquarters, RRU (Relief and Rehabilitation Unit) Office located at the back of the San Remigio Parish.
Pilgrims should bring their valid IDs or authorization when claiming the wristbands.
But prior to the main program, there will be Novena masses scheduled for assigned pilgrims or local government units and district parishes from March 26 to April 3 leading to the blessing and consecration of the altar.
Labajo, however, said that wristbands are not required during these days, except for the main event on April 3 and April 4.
The Archdiocese assured the pilgrims that there will be enough security personnel in the area on these days.
The activity is also part of the celebration of the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines and the incoming Marian Jubilee, which will start on April 3.
The Archdiocese held the groundbreaking last February 2020 while the construction started in October in the same year.