Home of the World’s Largest Rosary

A Story of Fatima: A Call to Prayer

In 1917, against the backdrop of World War I, three humble shepherd children—Lucia dos Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto—witnessed a series of heavenly apparitions in Fatima, Portugal. Beginning on May 13th, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to them six times, radiating a light “brighter than the sun.”

Her message was a profound call to the world: a plea for daily prayer of the Rosary, acts of penance, and devotion to her Immaculate Heart to bring peace to a war-torn world. The apparitions culminated on October 13th with the “Miracle of the Sun,” an extraordinary event witnessed by 70,000 people where the sun appeared to “dance” and change colors in the sky.

Today, the message of Fatima remains a beacon of hope. It reminds us that through prayer and sacrifice, we can participate in God’s work of peace and the conversion of hearts.

Our Heart: The Xaverian Mission

Inspired by the legacies of St. Guido Conforti and St. Francis Xavier, we Xaverian Missionaries serve as a bridge between the local community and the universal Church. Our mission, the Missio Ad Gentes, is to witness the welcoming heart of Jesus through dialogue and service.

We live out this call through: Intercultural & Interfaith Dialogue: Building relationships across cultures and faiths to foster peace and understanding.
Solidarity: Standing with the poor and advocating for justice.
Vocation & Storytelling: Sharing our global missionary experiences to inspire a new generation to lifelong mission.

As a multicultural community, we strive to show the world that it is possible to “be one” as Christ intended. In the USA, we are specifically committed to engaging the local Church in mission at home, inviting friends to collaborate in our global vision, and ensuring that the message of God’s love reaches every heart.

Xaverian Missionaries, outside the U.S, work in Asia: Bangladesh, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, The Philippines, in Latin America: Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, in Africa: Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Rep. Dem. Congo, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Morocco, in Europe: Italy, Spain, France, U.K.

A Sanctuary for Creation

At the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, we believe that the beauty of nature is a direct reflection of the Creator’s love. Inspired by Pope Francis’s call in Laudato Si’, our 800-acre grounds serve as a living sanctuary where faith and ecology meet. We are committed to being faithful stewards of this “common home,” ensuring it remains a place of biodiversity and peace

Visitors can witness this mission in action through the Fatima Bee Project, where our hives support local pollination and yield “heavenly” honey. Our Butterfly Garden of Remembrance provides a vital habitat for Monarchs while offering a space of healing for those touched by loss. By planting native wildflowers and protecting our forest trails, we provide a refuge not only for wildlife but for the human spirit. Here, amidst the whispering pines and blooming meadows, we invite you to encounter God through the wonder of His creation.

Your Journey of Faith: The Pilgrim Experience

Whether you are seeking a quiet moment of prayer or a scenic walk through history, the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine offers a unique spiritual journey for every visitor. Upon arrival, you are welcomed into a Sanctuary of Silence, designed to help you leave the noise of the world behind.

The heart of the experience is the Rosary Walk, where you can pray alongside the world’s largest rosary boulders nestled in the New England woods. The grounds are fully accessible, featuring paved paths that accommodate all mobility needs. After your walk, find peace in our Xaverian Chapel for Mass or quiet adoration. Before you leave, be sure to visit the Fatima Gift Shop, which offers a curated selection of sacramentals and religious items to commemorate your visit. From the buzzing of our shrine bees to the stillness of the grotto, we invite you to linger, pray, and find renewal in this sacred space.