Mozambique: City of Beira prays for peace on the feast of Our Lady of Fatima

Vatican News with Roger Maduca – Beira, Mozambique

13 May is the anniversary of the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary to three shepherd children of Fatima in Portugal in 1917.

Rosary Procession through the streets

On the vigil of this feast, this week, several priests in the city of Beira led a large procession of the faithful, with the image of Our Lady, in commemoration of the apparitions of Fatima. More importantly, this year’s procession and prayers were dedicated to praying for peace in Cabo Delgado.

The evening procession wound through the roads and avenues of the city of Beira. The faithful, votive candles and rosaries in hand, prayed and sang Marian songs. They invoked Our Lady’s intercession for an end to the war and terrorist attacks in Cabo Delgado.

The Diocesan Pastoral Co-ordinator and Parish Priest of Our Lady of Fátima, Father Diamantino Andrade, reminded Christians that the month of May is dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus. The procession culminated in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

The war in Cabo Delgado

Over the past seven years, from the year 2017, Al Shabab militia linked to the terrorist group, IS have carried out an insurgency in Cabo Delgado, a northern region of Mozambique. Civilians have seen loved ones killed, homes set on fire, endured brutal human rights abuses and been forced to flee from their homes.

Mozambique’s own military, Rwandese forces, and a SADC force have all sent thousands of troops to the region to fight the gunmen.