The Luminaries of Holy Mary, the Basilica’s group that prayerfully studies the messages of Our Lady of Fátima, hosted an Advent morning of recollection at the Basilica on December 12, 2020.
The theme of the event was “Be Not Afraid.” Below are videos of the reflections from the retreat.
Father Jerome Magat
Father Jerome Magat reflects on what our fears reveal about us. Father Magat is a member of the Society of Saint Sulpice from the Diocese of Arlington. Arlington Bishop Paul Loverde ordained him to the priesthood in 2005. Currently, he is in residence at Assumption Seminary in San Antonio as he completes his doctoral dissertation in moral theology.
Father Edward Hathaway
Father Edward Hathaway, Rector of the Basilica of Saint Mary, reflects on the similarities between the Marian apparitions at Guadalupe and Fatima. Father Hathaway has been assigned to Saint Mary’s since 2016. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1991 by Arlington Bishop John Keating.
Sister Angela de Fatima Coelho
Sister Angela de Fátima Coelho speaks about her new book, Inside the Light. She is a native of Portugal and a sister with the Aliança de Santa Maria.
Sister Angela is an expert on the messages of Our Lady of Fátima and has spoken to audiences worldwide. She was the Postulator for the Cause of Jacinta and Francisco Marto, two of the children that were visionaries at Fátima, until they were canonized saints on May 13, 2017. Since 2014, she has served as Vice Postulator for the Cause of Beatification of Servant of God Sister Maria Lucia of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart, who was the cousin of Saints Jacinta and Francisco, and the third child who was a visionary at Fátima.
Sister Ana Luisa Castro
Sister Ana Luisa Castro is with the Aliança de Santa Maria in Fátima, Portugal. She offers a reflection on the theme of the retreat, “Be Not Afraid.”
Sister Brittany Culver
Sister Brittany Culver shares her vocation story with Alex Solsma, the Basilica of Saint Mary’s Director of Communications. She chronicles her conversion from Protestant and non-denominational churches to the Roman Catholic Church and her journey from the United States to religious life with the Aliança de Santa Maria in Portugal.
Sister Maria Juliet Ssanyu
Sister Maria Juliet Ssanyu is with the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Reparatrix and is currently serving in Geisenheim, Germany. She reflects on the Ugandan martyrs and shares her vocation story.
Sister Maria Jacinta Nalweyiso
Sister Maria Jacinta Nalweyiso is with the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Reparatrix and is currently serving in Geisenheim, Germany. She talks about the mission of her community and shares her vocation story.
Mass and Rosary
There will be a live video stream of the Rosary and Mass on December 12. The Rosary will begin at 8:00 am with Mass to follow at 8:30 am.