Marian Concert for 100th anniversary of Fatima

By TARA CONNOLLY Staff writer

The Combined Choirs of the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena will perform a Marian Concert Sunday, Aug. 13 in tribute of the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima.

Beverly McDevitt, director of the cathedral and diocesan choirs, said the performance will reflect the message of the Blessed Virgin Mary who appeared to three little shepherds in Fatima, Portugal and entrusted them to pray for world peace and convert sinners.

“We are honored and beyond excited to present this concert for our dear mother. We will be singing many favorite Marian hymns and songs,” she said.

Some of the pieces will include “Lady of Knock,” “On this Day,” “Bring Flowers of the Rarest” and “Ave Maria.”

The selections will be sung by more than 100 members from the cathedral’s adult choirs: Angelorum Choir, Cathedral Choir, Diocesan Choir and Living Word Choir.

“We hope to have 100 plus voices,” said McDevitt.

In addition, an opportunity to gain a plenary indulgence will be possible by praying before a statue of Our Lady of Fatima that will be displayed at the performance.

Pope Francis has granted a plenary indulgence opportunity for the 100th anniversary of the Our Lady of Fatima apparitions throughout the centennial year, from Nov. 27, 2016 to Nov. 26, 2017.

The three ways to obtain the indulgence included making a pilgrimage to the Fatima Shrine, Portugal; praying before a statue of Our Lady of Fatima; and the elderly and infirm may pray before Our Lady of Fatima statue and spiritually unite themselves to the jubilee celebrations on the 13th day of each month between May and October 2017.

To obtain the plenary indulgence faithful must also fulfill the ordinary conditions by going to confession, receiving Communion, being interiorly detached from sin and offering prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father.

An indulgence is defined as “the remission before God of the temporal punishment due for sins already forgiven as far as their guilt is concerned.” Forgiveness of a sin is separate from punishment for the sin. Through sacramental confession we obtain forgiveness, but still must perform punishment.

Indulgences are two kinds: partial and plenary. A partial indulgence removes part of the temporal punishment due for sins. A plenary indulgence removes all of it. This punishment may come either in this life, in the form of various sufferings or in the next life, in purgatory.

The concert is free and open to the public. A free will donation will be offered for Mary’s Shelter, Reading, which provides residential and nonresidential services for pregnant women and women with newborns who are in need of a supportive environment because of a lack of suitable housing or favorable family relationships.

The concert will begin at 6 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, 1825 W. Turner St., Allentown.

For more information, contact McDevitt, 610-334-7724 or bevmcdevitt1@gmail.com.

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Marian Concert