A new shrine to Our Lady of Fatima was dedicated Friday evening, October 13, at Calvary Cemetary in Edwardsville IL. The dedication coincided with the 100th anniversary of Our Lady's last apparition to the children at Fatima, Portugal, in 1917.

The statues of Our Lady and the three children where originally part of the shrine at St. Mark Church in Venice, which closed on October 30th of last year. That shrine was first dedicated in August of 1952 and was the setting for novenas and other services for many many years.

Officiating at the ceremony were Father Jeff Holtman, O.F.S., pastor of Holy Family Parish in Granite City and St. Mary-St. Mark Parish in Madison and the adminstrator of the cemetery for the Springfield Diocese; the Rev. Joseph Havrilka, KHS, pastor of Mother of Perpetual Help Parish in Maryville, and Deacon Neil Suermann, O.F.S., also of Holy Family Church.

The shrine was blessed by Father Holtman and a rosary was said by all attending. White carnations were placed at the foot of the statue of Our Lady of Fatima by each of those participating while the song "On This Day, O Beautiful Mother" was being sang.

Approximately 110 people from the area, including many former parishoners of St. Mark Church, Venice, IL, participated in the ceremony.

The new shrine was built and landscaped by the staff of the cemetery under the direction of Deacon Mike Melton, Mother of Perpetual Help Parish, who is superintendent of the cemetery.

        APPROXIMATELY 110 faithful participate in the dedication ceremony on the 100th anniversary of the last apparition.

        THE ORIGINAL SHRINE at St. Mark Church grounds in Venice.