THE OUR LADY OF FATIMA SHRINE: Finding a Sense of the Holy through Mary

On a fateful day in May of 1917, three peasant children — Francisco, Jacinta, and Lucia — were tending the sheep for their families when suddenly “a lady all in white, more brilliant than the sun” appeared before them. This lady asked the children to pray the Rosary daily for the conversion of sinners. These apparitions took place near Fatima, Portugal and from May through October, Our Lady appeared to the children on the 13 th day of each month. Mary gave the children three “secrets” during these apparitions. The first was a vision of hell and a desperate plea to pray to save souls. The second was a prophecy of World War II and told of the immense dangers that Russia was to humanity, spreading Communism through the world. The third secret was revealed in 2000 and was of a “bishop clothed in white” as he struggled to the cross amid the martyrs. He too falls to the ground amid the hailstorm of gunfire.

As the children received these visions, there were many believers as well as many critics of whether they were actually receiving these visits from the Blessed Virgin Mary. Many people would gather on the 13 th day of each month. When it was revealed that Our Lady would make her final appearance on Oct. 13, nearly 70,000 people came to the location of the apparitions, despite torrential downpours that had been happening for three days leading up to that day. At the end, the clouds parted and the sun danced in the sky, drying the land and the clothes of the thousands of witnesses of this miracle.

Since this apparition was approved, many faithful have had a devotion to Our Lady of Fatima. And amidst these devotions, many shrines have been built in honor of our Blessed Mother and her faithfulness to her children throughout the world.

Fr. Henry Hubert was a priest at St. Wenceslaus who had a deep devotion to Our Lady of Fatima. He commissioned the building of the shrine in memory of his friend, Gene Shimon. The statues were carved by regional artist Robert Petscheider.

For Deacon Andy Bures, this particular devotion feels fitting for a community such as the Antigo Area Catholic Churches.

“When I think of the Blessed Mother appearing to three simple farm children, I feel that we can really relate to that,” he says. “We take pride in our farming heritage and there are lessons in life to be learned on the farm that you can’t really learn anywhere else. I think we feel a connection and a sense of the holy with Mary appearing to these children.”

The shrine is a source of beauty and peace on the grounds of St. Wenceslaus. For many years, Delores Ruhl lovingly maintained the shrine and the flower beds that gracefully surround it. For the last few years, Cinda and Rick Theilman have been taking care of the maintenance. They care for the flowers, weeding, and watering. They clean the glass and the statues inside, as well as any additional upkeep that is needed.

“It is so peaceful and quiet to spend time at the shrine,” Cinda says. “To gaze upon Mary and Jesus is just so special.”

When the parish recently removed trees on the grounds to make room for the parking lot, parishioners Dave Devore and Dave Meyer joined Rick Theilman on the project to use those cedar trees to make benches for the shrine as well as the addition of the new crucifix.

The Fatima Shrine at St. Wenceslaus is a beautiful treasure for all in the area to enjoy as a part of the history of the parish and of our deep and rich Catholic faith.