Since it began in 2023, the annual Our Lady of Fatima procession at St Mary’s Cathedral has become one of the most beautiful expressions of Catholic faith in Sydney.
On 10 May, this candlelit gathering will once again bring thousands together in a powerful display of devotion and community.
“In a time of international conflict and unrest, the answer to the world’s problems is always God,” said Most Reverend Bishop Richard Umbers, who celebrated last year’s Mass before 2,000 attendees.
“The Our Lady of Fatima Procession is a real cultural high point in the expression of giving glory to God and honouring Our Lady of Fatima. By lighting a candle of faith, and praying the Rosary, we ask for her intercession and give witness to our joy and our hope,” he said.
The occasion commemorates the 1917 Marian apparitions reported by Portuguese children Lúcia dos Santos and cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto.
“Last year’s Fatima procession was really beautiful,” added Bishop Richard. “After Mass, we prayed the rosary, and we sang The Gloria. We then lit our candles and it was very moving.
“We filed out into the courtyard, into the darkness, for the procession with Our Lady and the little Shepherd children. If you were there, you would just be really, really uplifted,” said Bishop Umbers.
What made last year’s procession particularly memorable was what many participants considered miraculous timing with the weather. Despite incessant torrential rain throughout the day, the downpour stopped precisely during the Mass and procession, only to resume immediately after the farewell was given.
Christina Guzman, from St Michael’s parish in Belfield, described her first experience attending the procession as “incredibly beautiful.”
She was particularly moved by the sight of participants processing with candles, noting that “the only light that was seen was emanating from the candles that people were holding.” This visual spectacle reminded her of the candlelight vigil she had witnessed at The Lourdes Grotto, in France, the previous year.
For Christina, the procession embodied the essence of Our Lady of Fatima’s message.
“Every time she appeared, especially at Fatima, to the children, she asked for the repentance of souls and to be a true witness of Christ in the world,” Christina explained. The procession fulfilled this call as participants gathered to “pray for each other” and “boldly claim our faith.”
Beyond the spiritual significance, the procession created a profound sense of unity among the thousands in attendance. Despite not knowing anyone there, Christina “felt a strong sense of belonging, a strong sense of unity, that we know what we’re here for and we love God.”
It’s why Jamie Alam, a dedicated young leader from St Kevin’s Young Adults Group in Eastwood, plans to lead a group of young adults from his parish to the Fatima procession for the first time, this year.
“When young people aren’t afraid to stand up for what they believe in, I think that’s such a powerful witness, ” Jamie explained.
For Jamie, this candlelit procession celebrating the Marian apparitions to three shepherd children holds special significance.
“For young people, it’s inspiring. And I think that message is still relevant today, that we obey Our Lady’s advice to pray the rosary, to keep our faith alive, and to remember the importance of prayer. The candle lit environment within St Mary’s just creates that reverence, where people can experience the depth of God’s love,” he said.
For Jamie, processions like Fatima are more than just religious ceremonies. “It’s about showing how important this is for us. It’s about being brave enough to go out and professing your faith publicly, showing reverence towards Mary and just being proud, proud about your faith and what you believe in,” he said.
Bishop Umbers emphasised: “We live in a society that is increasingly secularised. But here are my fellow Catholics, people like you and I, proudly professing that God matters. God is present. God is still with us.”
Join us for the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima Procession on Saturday 10 May 2025 after the 6pm Vigil Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral.