Bishop Robert Deeley joins priests and parishioners for Rosary Rally and Procession in Gorham

As we approach the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, dozens of people, including Bishop Robert Deeley, participated in a Rosary procession and rally in the town of Gorham on Saturday, August 12.

“This is a beautiful devotion to the Blessed Mother. It is important at times to be public with our faith,” the bishop said. “The procession and that manifestation of faith is a testament to the knowledge that God is with us.”

The procession began at Gorham High School, continued down South Street to the busy intersection with Main Street, and then concluded at St. Anne Church, where the rally was held. The group sang and carried a statue of Our Lady of Fatima as they walked the one-and-a-half-mile route.

“It’s to honor Our Lady, especially in advance of her feast day, the Feast of the Assumption [August 15]. It’s a wonderful public witness,” said S. R. Clark from Gorham, who participated in the procession and rally. “It seemed as though there were many bystanders or homeowners peeking out and showing interest, and so we trust Our Lady will help bring them closer to Jesus.”

“I have children, and the world is changing so fast in the wrong direction, and Our Lady of Fatima warned us about that,” said Mary Fallon of Durham. “There is no way out of it except through Our Lady’s help. That is the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the reason I’m here. I want to be part of that.”

“Maine and the country need Fatima. We need prayer, so we wanted to come to be part of it,” said Mary Landry of Westbrook.

“People will see something, and they’ll toot. A lot of people will do that, but they don’t have the courage to come out. In numbers, you are strong. You have to show up. You just have got to do it,” said Donald Landry, Mary’s husband.

Once at St. Anne Church in Gorham, a rally was held outside on the church lawn. The bishop led the opening prayer, after which a number of prayer intentions were raised up, including for the people of Maui impacted by the devastating wildfires, for the protection of all vulnerable children, for those suffering from cancer and other ailments, and for an end to abortion.

After singing “Immaculate Mary,” those present then joined in praying the Angelus, the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Divine Praises, and other prayers.

Rosary rallies are held monthly at St. Anne Church in Gorham from May to October to commemorate the six appearances of the Blessed Mother to three children in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. The rallies were started by the group Maine Needs Fatima back in 2017, the 100th anniversary of the apparitions.

Maine Needs Fatima is working to bring Our Lady of Fatima’s message to more parish communities around Maine. In September, rallies are planned for both Gorham and Gray on September 16, and in October, the Month of the Holy Rosary, rallies are scheduled in Cape Elizabeth, Gorham, and Gray on October 14, with more expected to take place. Maine Needs Fatima also offers home visitations with the statue of Our Lady of Fatima. Visit www.maineneedsfatima.org for more information.