A recent ceremony in the St. John’s Roman Catholic Church social hall, 3024 S. Ruch St., Whitehall, honored the 106th anniversary of the appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima, Portugal.

Robert Gidosh, of Whitehall, and Joseph Paul, of Coplay, led the simple but solemn observance honoring Our Lady of Fatima. The program was filled with a number of prayers, some of which date back to the early church.

The program included the singing of a song in Mary’s honor. There was a recitation of the rosary with some attendees taking turns leading the prayers, a praying of the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Prayer of Total Consecration. Additional reverent words were said and recited.

There was a clear sense of community among the attendees and sanctity at the gathering. At the conclusion of the observance, Gidosh thanked those who attended and urged them to pray for those struggling with illness or physical challenges.

According to the online publication “The Divine Mercy,” Mary reportedly appeared to three shepherd children - Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. The children were ages 6, 8, and 9 when the first apparition occurred. There were reportedly six apparitions May 13-Oct. 13, 1917. She also gave the children three secrets.

The first secret was showing the children Hell and the souls languishing there. The second secret was a prediction of a second world war that would begin during the reign of Pope Pius XI. The third secret was revealed that Russia would spread its errors throughout the world unless the Pope consecrated the country to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

“The Divine Mercy” noted there are five sins that can be committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary: denying the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Mother, denying Our Lady’s virginity, denying Our Lady’s Divine Maternity and role as Mother of all of Mankind, causing children to have contempt or hatred toward Our Lady and committing outrages against holy images of Our Lady.

Ceremonies were held worldwide to mark the anniversary.

To learn more about the church, its history, events and membership, call 610-262-2260 or visit stjohnsstiles.com.