Scottish Catholics will gather at Carfin Grotto on Saturday 13th May 2017 to join Catholics around the world in celebrating the 100th anniversary since the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared several times to three shepherd children in 1917. The first apparition occurred on 13th May, which has since become the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima.

Pope Francis will celebrate Mass in Fatima on Saturday 13th May. During Mass, he will preside over the canonization ceremony of Blessed Francisco Marto and Blessed Jacinta Marto, two of the children to whom Our Lady appeared. The pilgrimage is expected to attract up to one million of the faithful.

At Carfin there will be confessions from 2pm until 2-45pm and the faithful will celebrate Mass to mark the canonisations at 3pm. Afterwards, a Rosary Procession walk to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. In the evening, there will be a Torchlight Rosary Procession and a second Mass, celebrated by Bishop John Keenan of the Diocese of Paisley. The sacrament of reconciliation will also be available before and after the procession and Mass.

AVE, AVE, AVE, MARIA