On September 23, 2017, a day of pilgrimage for more than 2,000 of the faithful during the centennial year commemorating the apparitions of Our Lady at Fatima, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception dedicated its newest outdoor sanctuary of prayer and meditation: the Rosary Walk and Garden.
Located on the west grounds of the Basilica, across the street and adjacent to the National Shrine’s visitors parking area, this new prayer space features beautiful marble sculptures of Our Lady of Fatima, the three shepherd children, and Christ Crucified, along with the Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary depicted in mosaic art.
Bishop Frank Caggiano of the Diocese of Bridgeport was the principal celebrant of the Dedication Mass. In his homily, he poignantly asked all those gathered, “What is it you are looking for? What is it that you seek?” Urging that ultimately “we seek not something but someone,” Bishop Caggiano said, “Our Lady of Fatima came to show the world the answer: We are looking for your Son.”
“We have come here on this sacred day to remind ourselves that the message of Fatima is as important now as it ever has been,” Bishop Caggiano said, referring to Our Lady’s appearances in Portugal a century ago, now commemorated in the new Rosary Walk and Garden.
“This Rosary Walk and Garden is a beautiful expression of our Catholic faith and devotion to the Great Mother of God,” Bishop Caggiano exclaimed. “May it stand for generations to come as a sign of hope and sacred reminder for all who are searching that the answer is Christ!”
Monsignor Walter Rossi, Rector of the National Shrine, expressed his sincere gratitude to all those whose efforts made the Rosary Walk and Garden a reality. He especially thanked Bishop Caggiano and Dr. Daisy Lin for their great devotion to Our Lady and for their vision and collaboration that brought the project to fruition. He also thanked Vincent and Theresa Viola, Sebastian Antonio, Betty Rosas-Chua, Aida Coliangco, and the John Quinn Foundation whose generous support made the Rosary Walk and Garden possible.
To view the Mass and Dedication of the Rosary Walk and Garden, please visit the National Shrine’s YouTube Channel.