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Worldwide Children’s Holy Hour at the Basilica of the National Shrine

St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School 2nd through 8th grade students, faculty, staff, and families attended and participated in the Children of the Eucharist Worldwide Children’s Holy Hour on Friday, October 6, 2006, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. The Holy Hour was sponsored by the World Apostolate of Fatima USA and was broadcast live on Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). It was hosted by Dana, internationally known Irish singer, and led by Father Antoine Thomas of the Children of Hope. The Master of Ceremonies for the Holy Hour was Father Mark E. Moretti, President of the World Apostolate of Fatima and Pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.

The spiritual program provided an opportunity for children throughout the world to unite in prayer with other children. The theme of the Holy Hour was prayer for Holiness in Family Life, and for Peace among Nations. All those who attended the Holy Hour received a Fatima handkerchief from Portugal, a Scapular, and a Mission Rosary.

Nine Aquinas students had the great privilege to participate in this very special Holy Hour. The three little shepherd children, dressed in traditional Portuguese clothing, were portrayed by Nora Devin as Lucia, Gabby Mazzoccoli as Jacinta, and Philip Mazzoccoli as Francisco. Among the continents depicted in the Holy Hour. Katrina Chu represented Asia, Julie Gallagher represented Oceania, and Alex Wandler represented Germany. Katrina, Julie, and Alex each led a decade of the rosary. Holly Maraist had the special honor of crowning the statue of the Blessed Mother. Evan and Matthew Maraist were altar servers.

Father Antoine Thomas explained the apparitions of the Angel of Peace in Fatima, and how the Angel taught the little shepherd children to bow low and adore the Blessed Trinity present in the Eucharist. The Holy Hour included Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the Rosary, and Benediction.

National World Apostolate of Fatima Executive Director Michael LaCorte relayed the importance of the power of the Message of Fatima. He said the Message of Fatima “will help bring peace to earth and help save souls.”

Irish singer Dana explained to the congregation that the words to the theme song, We are the Children of the World – Answering His Call, were written by children who entered the World Apostolate of Fatima song contest two years ago. Dana asked the congregation to tell everyone about the wonderful story of the Children of Fatima. She invited parents to the event next year: “On October 5, 2007, take your children to church for the 90 th anniversary of the Children of Fatima.” Led by Dana, the Holy Hour ended with the congregation and choir clapping and singing the theme song, We are the Children of the World – Answering His Call.

Sister Maria Christi, O.P. , Principal of St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School, said, “Today was a beautiful day for our school. The Holy Hour at the Basilica was not only beautiful and grace-filled, it was an honor for us to attend.”