Inauguration of the New Mission Station at Avalahalli, Dedicated to the young Saints of Fatima (Sts. Francisco and Jacinta Marto)

On Sunday, July 13, 2025, with profound spiritual fervour and joy, Most Rev. Peter Machado, the Archbishop of Bangalore, solemnly inaugurated a new mission station at Avalahalli, located approximately 35 kilometers from Bangalore city. Most Rev. Arokia Raj Satis Kumar, the Auxiliary Bishop of Archdiocese of Bangalore, Fr. Susairaj, the Dean of T.C. Palya, and Fr. Poologa Anandaraj, the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Hoskote, along with other priests were present in inauguration of the new mission station at Avalahalli."This significant event marks a historic moment for the Archdiocese, as it is the first mission station in India to be dedicated to the young saints of Fatima, Sts. Jacinta and Francisco Marto, the shepherd children who witnessed the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal.

Until the establishment of this new mission, the faithful in Avalahalli were served by Our Lady of Fatima Church in Hoskote, which is situated just 8 kilometers away. It is deeply meaningful that this new mission bears the name of the Children of Fatima, while remaining geographically and spiritually connected to the mother parish dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima. This symbolic link underscores the powerful role of the Fatima apparitions in shaping the spiritual identity of the region.

During the inaugural celebration, Rev. Fr. T. Joseph, MSFS, was officially installed as the first Mission Moderator. The installation took place during the solemn celebration of the Holy Eucharist. In his homily, Archbishop Peter Machado reflected on the life and holiness of Sts. Francisco and Jacinta, affirming that these youthful saints are now being entrusted as patrons of the children of the Archdiocese. He expressed his vision of developing this mission station into a spiritual haven and pilgrim centre especially for children, fostering their growth in faith, prayer, and virtue under the intercession of the holy children of Fatima. The inaugural Mass was attended by over 500 faithful, who gathered to witness this historic moment and to express their growing devotion to the intercession of the Children of Fatima.

The Legacy of the Children of Fatima

Between May 13 and October 13, 1917, three humble shepherd children, Lucia dos Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto received a series of apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Fatima, a town situated 110 miles north of Lisbon, Portugal. These apparitions occurred against the backdrop of World War I and political instability in Portugal, which had recently overthrown its monarchy in 1910 and taken steps to suppress religious institutions.

During the first apparition, the Blessed Mother instructed the children to return to the same location on the 13th of each month for six consecutive months, and urged them to pray the Rosary daily, for peace in the world and for the conversion of sinners. The message of Fatima resonated deeply across the world, culminating in a miraculous event on October 13, 1917, where over 70,000 people gathered to witness what came to be known as the Miracle of the Sun.

Sadly, within a few short years, Francisco succumbed to influenza and died in 1919, followed by Jacinta in 1920. Both offered their suffering with deep faith, particularly Jacinta, who united her pain to the intentions of world peace and the conversion of sinners. Their cousin Lucia later entered religious life as a Carmelite nun, and lived until 2005. Jacinta and Francisco were beatified in the year 2000. On May 13, 2017, during a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal, Pope Francis canonized Jacinta and Francisco Marto, the two younger shepherd children who witnessed the Marian apparitions in 1917. The canonization marked the centennial of the first reported apparition of the Virgin Mary at Fatima, a deeply significant event for millions of Catholics worldwide.

Today, the shrine of Our Lady of Fatima stands as one of the most important Marian pilgrimage sites in the world, drawing as many as 20 million devotees annually who come to pray, seek healing, and honour the message of peace and conversion associated with Our Lady of Fatima.

A Beacon of Hope for the Archdiocese

It is both providential and praiseworthy that this mission station was inaugurated on July 13, the date of one of the Fatima apparitions. The dedication of this mission to Sts. Francisco and Jacinta Marto stand as a testament to the Church's recognition of the sanctity and spiritual potential of children.

May this mission station in Avalahalli grow to become a beacon of hope and grace for the children of the Archdiocese. Through the powerful intercession of Our Lady of Fatima and Sts. Francisco and Jacinta, may this land be delivered from all legal entanglements and unjust opposition. May it flourish as a sanctuary of prayer, peace, and spiritual renewal for generations to come.