On August 29–31, 2025, Our Lady of Fatima parish in Victoria gathered to celebrate the Feast of Senhor Bom Jesus da Pedra, a devotion that originated in Portugal and now has a special place in the hearts of many in our Diocesan community.
A Devotion from the Azores
For many in Portugal, the devotion to the Senhor Bom Jesus da Pedra has been a much cherished tradition for over a century. It began in 1918, when an image of Christ crucified was discovered near a rock in the town of Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel Island. Since then, countless miracles and blessings have been attributed to the intercession of the Lord Bom Jesus, and the site is now a center of pilgrimage.
Each year on the last Sunday of August, the faithful gather at the sanctuary to honour Lord Bom Jesus (Good/Holy Jesus), remembering His loving sacrifice on the cross and drawing strength from His promise of new life.
For our local community, this feast is not only a moment of profound prayer but also of reunion—families, neighbours, and friends come together to celebrate faith, hope, and tradition.
Celebrating in Victoria
This special feast day has been celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima in Victoria since 1985, and continues to be a source of joyful connection for the parish. This year’s festivities began with a noon Mass, followed by the traditional procession around the parish grounds. As families, friends, students, and neighbours walked side by side in prayer, it was a moving reminder that our faith is not only spoken but lived—step by step—together in Christ, our firm foundation.
While festivities in Portugal can last up to a week, the celebration at Our Lady of Fatima concluded after the procession in the parish hall with music, delicious food, entertainment, and children’s activities.
Catholic Education and Parish Tradition
A highlight of this year’s celebration was the participation of students from our Island Catholic Schools. Children and youth from St. Patrick’s, St. Joseph’s, and St. Andrew’s proudly wore their school uniforms as they joined the procession, a visible sign of the faith of the next generation.
When Father Eduardo became pastor of Our Lady of Fatima in 2018, he envisioned this tradition as a way to connect our young people more deeply with the parish’s devotional life. What began with just 10 students has now grown to more than 50 participants, thanks in part to Father Eduardo’s dedication and the tireless advocacy of Paul Rossetti, the Superintendent of Island Catholic Schools.
A Living Witness of Hope
The Feast of Senhor Bom Jesus da Pedra reminds us that at the heart of our faith is Christ crucified, who transforms suffering into life and sorrow into hope. Our celebrations here in Victoria unite us with the people of São Miguel and with Catholics around the world who share in this devotion.
May the Lord Bom Jesus inspire us with strength, renew the unity of our parish, and guide us as pilgrims of hope in our families, schools, and wider community.
Photos provided by Kathleen Seu