Fatima Statue and Relics Complete 15-Day Pilgrimage Across Bombay and Vasai

Bombay, October 31, 2026: Thousands of Catholics participated in a 15-day pilgrimage of the statue of Our Lady of Fatima and the relics of Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto across the Archdiocese of Bombay and the Diocese of Vasai, which concluded on October 30.

The pilgrimage, which began on October 17 with the arrival of the statue and relics at Mumbai Airport, covered several parishes and Marian centres, drawing large numbers of faithful for Masses, processions, Rosary prayers, Eucharistic adoration and overnight vigils.

The statue, blessed and commissioned for the mission by the Bishop of Leiria-Fatima in Portugal, who also serves as International Moderator of the World Apostolate of Fatima (WAF), was entrusted to the Apostolate to carry the message of Fatima to communities across the world.

The first stop was Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Karjat. The visitation subsequently covered five Fatima churches in the Archdiocese of Bombay — Karjat, Ambernath, Majiwada, Kirol and Sewri — besides Fatima Mata Sadan in Mahakali and the parish church in Andheri.

The final leg took the statue and relics to Our Lady of Fatima Church in Chulne, in the Diocese of Vasai, where Bishop Thomas D’Souza welcomed them on October 30.

The initiative was organised by the Archdiocese of Bombay with the support of Archbishop John Rodrigues. Auxiliary Bishop Stephen Fernandes celebrated Mass at several venues, including Ambernath, Kirol, Sewri, Fatima Mata Sadan and Andheri.

Members of the World Apostolate of Fatima and other Marian representatives coordinated the programme under the spiritual guidance of Fr. Joe D’Mello.

The pilgrimage has also prompted some parishes to introduce regular devotional initiatives. Karjat, Ambernath and Kirol have begun a weekly programme titled Saturday with Mary, featuring a meditative Rosary focused on the mysteries of Christ and the message of Fatima.

The statue and relics were scheduled to leave Vasai for Mumbai Airport at 4 pm on October 31 before returning to Goa.

The visitation aimed to renew commitment among Catholics to prayer, conversion, reparation and peace through devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

By Lester DeMello