By Matthew Gambino • Posted April 25, 2017

Catholics throughout the world are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Mary in Fatima, Portugal this year, and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will offer special opportunities for local faithful to honor Our Lady of Fatima as well.

First up is the Archdiocesan May Procession on Sunday, May 7 at 2 p.m. in the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. Children who have received confirmation or first holy Communion this year are invited to attend and to wear their sacramental attire.

Various ethnic communities in the archdiocese will be praying the rosary during the procession.

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Parish and high school choirs are invited to sing for the procession; those interested should contact Charlene Angelini at cangelini@archphila.org.

The cathedral will also host several holy hours in observance of the centenary of Our Lady of Fatima, including:

— Saturday, May 13 at 4 p.m. in the basilica with a children’s rosary recited prior to the 5:15 p.m. vigil Mass;

— Tuesday, June 13 at 11 a.m. in the chapel, prior to the 12:05 weekday Mass;

— Thursday, July 13 at 11 a.m. in the chapel, prior to the 12:05 weekday Mass;

— Sunday, Aug. 13 at 5:30 p.m. in the basilica prior to the 6:30 p.m. Sunday Mass;

— Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 11 a.m. in the chapel, prior to the 12:05 weekday Mass;

— Friday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. in the chapel.

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During this time a statue of Our Lady of Fatima will be presented at the cathedral during normal hours to afford all the faithful the opportunity to receive the Fatima plenary indulgence, under the usual conditions. See archphila.org/Fatima for more information on this celebration.

Also coming to the cathedral on May 6-8 is the visitation of the relics of Padre Pio, St. Pio of Pietrelcina.

Following the 5:15 p.m. vigil Mass on Saturday, May 6, which Archbishop Charles Chaput will celebrate for married couples celebrating their anniversaries, the public veneration of the relics will begin from 6:15 to 10:15, ending with Night Prayer and a blessing with the relics.

The next on May 7, after the conclusion of the Archdiocesan May Procession, the relics may be venerated from 3 to 6:30 p.m. The sacrament of penance and reconciliation will be celebrated in the cathedral at 5:30, followed by the Sunday Mass at 6:30 celebrated by Archbishop Chaput. The relics may be venerated again from 8 to 10, followed by Night Prayer and blessing.

The public veneration of the relics concludes on Monday, May 8 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., followed by Mass at 7:30 p.m. for St. Pio.