Faith, Formation and Mission Unite the Church
More than a gathering, it became a profound experience of prayer, communion and missionary renewal.
From 15 to 17 July 2026, the World Apostolate of Fatima brought together Bishops, priests, religious, WAF leaders, Apostolic Members and pilgrims from sixteen Archdioceses and Dioceses across India for the 12th Indian National Meet and the 2nd Goa Marian Congress at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre, Goa.
Over three days of prayer, formation and fellowship, the Congress echoed the Church’s call to journey together in communion, participation and mission — inspired by the Message entrusted by Our Lady at Fatima.
Learning the Message of Fatima
The Congress commenced with Eucharistic Adoration, the Litany of the Saints and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, placing the whole gathering under God’s providence and the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Following the inaugural session, delegates entered a rich programme of formation designed to deepen their understanding of the Message of Fatima. Sessions included:
- The Message of Fatima: Prayer, Penance and Reparation
- The Story of Fatima (1916–1917)
- The Immaculate Heart of Mary and Consecration
- The organisational mission of the World Apostolate of Fatima
- The First Saturday Devotion and its relevance today
Throughout the day, the talks were interwoven with the Meditative Rosary in accordance with Rosarium Virginis Mariae of St John Paul II — allowing participants not merely to learn about Fatima, but to pray its message.
The evening concluded with the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Most Rev. Francis Tirkey, Bishop of Purnea, followed by fellowship among delegates from every corner of the country.
Living the Message of Fatima
The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel became the spiritual summit of the Congress. Hundreds of pilgrims gathered for a solemn Rosary Procession, carrying the Indian National Pilgrim Virgin Statue (Peregrinatio Mariae) of Our Lady of Fatima together with the Sacred Relics of Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto.
Members of the World Apostolate of Fatima from numerous parishes across Goa took part, wearing their distinctive Blue Army capes — a visible witness to their commitment to Mary’s call for prayer and conversion.
The Pilgrim Virgin Statue was solemnly crowned by Most Rev. Fabian Toppo, Bishop of Jalpaiguri, in the presence of Most Rev. Simião Purificação Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman; Most Rev. Francis Tirkey, Bishop of Purnea; Most Rev. Fulgence Tigga, Bishop of Raiganj; clergy, religious and hundreds of faithful.
Reflections through the Day
- Rev. Fr. Pio Almeida — on the Meditative Rosary and Rosarium Virginis Mariae
- Bishop Fulgence Tigga — sharing the fruits of the Apostolate in the Diocese of Raiganj
- Rev. Fr. M. V. Sunny — on the Eucharist as the heart of the Fatima Message
- Youth leaders — on how young people have embraced the weekly Meditative Rosary
- Parish leaders — witnessing to the transformation brought about through the establishment of WAF parish units
The principal pastoral address was delivered by Most Rev. Simião Purificação Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman, reflecting on the Congress theme.
His words challenged participants to become authentic missionary disciples, carrying the spirituality of Fatima into every parish, family and community, in communion with the Church.
Investiture into the Brown Scapular
One of the most moving moments of the Congress was the Investiture into the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Led by Rev. Fr. Brayon Pinto OFM Cap., approximately 1,000 Brown Scapulars — generously sponsored for the occasion — were blessed and distributed.
Participants were invested by the Bishops present together with senior priests, in a deeply personal encounter with Our Lady’s maternal protection and a renewed commitment to Christian holiness. The ceremony concluded with the faithful making the WAF Pledge and venerating both the Pilgrim Virgin Statue and the Sacred Relics of Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto.
The day concluded with the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Most Rev. Fabian Toppo, Bishop of Jalpaiguri, under the theme “From Pilgrims to Apostles — Go! Mary Sends You.”
Spreading the Message of Fatima
The final day turned fully towards mission. Delegates gathered for a Conversation in the Spirit, prayerfully discerning one central question:
The discussions generated practical ideas for strengthening existing units while establishing the Apostolate in many more parishes throughout India.
Following the Thanksgiving Mass and final blessing, delegates travelled together to Old Goa, visiting the Basilica of Bom Jesus — the resting place of St Francis Xavier — before sharing fellowship over a traditional Goan lunch at a spice plantation.
Election of the New Indian National Council
An important moment of the National Meet was the election of the new Indian National Council. Presided over by Most Rev. Fulgence Tigga, Bishop of Raiganj, the election brought together Bishops, clergy and authorised lay delegates from sixteen Archdioceses and Dioceses.
In a significant expression of the synodal life of the Church, Mr. Lester DeMello, a lay member of the faithful from the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, was elected Chairman of the Indian National Council, succeeding Rev. Fr. M. V. Sunny. His election — supported by Bishops, clergy and lay delegates from across India — reflected the Church’s vision of clergy and laity discerning and serving together in communion.
The Newly Elected National Council
- Chairman — Lester DeMello (Goa & Daman)
- Vice-Chairman — Shelton George Pyster (Calcutta)
- Secretary — Candida Shadap (Shillong)
- Treasurer — Dr. Celcio Dias (Goa & Daman)
- Member — Clara Fernandes (Belgaum)
- Member — Rev. Fr. Luis Kajar (Bombay)
- Member — Rev. Fr. John Charuvila (Sultan Bathery)
- Member — Very Rev. Fr. Edward Kerketta, Vicar General (Bagdogra)
- Member — Rev. Fr. M. V. Sunny (Raiganj)
Looking Ahead
The World Apostolate of Fatima continues its mission as a Public International Association of the Faithful of Pontifical Right, recognised by the Holy See. Its mission is to promote the authentic Message of Fatima — Prayer, Penance and Reparation — through devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the daily Rosary, the Five First Saturdays Devotion, Eucharistic Adoration and Reparation, the offering of daily sacrifices, and the spiritual formation of the faithful in full communion with the Church.
As delegates returned to their dioceses, they carried with them not merely memories of a Congress, but a renewed missionary mandate: to establish the Message of Fatima in every parish, forming families and communities rooted in prayer, conversion and reparation — so that the Immaculate Heart of Mary may continue to lead souls to Christ.
Photo Gallery
Relive the grace of the three days through the images of the Congress.