On the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, the Sisters of the Holy Rosary held a special ceremony for the blessing of the grotto, a sacred place dedicated to prayer and spiritual reflection at the Generalate. The celebration began with Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Paul Chirwa, who emphasized the importance of sacred places in the spiritual life of Christians. He highlighted that such places strengthen faith, promote inner peace and create opportunities for believers to receive God’s blessings through prayer and devotion.
The Mass was colourful and spiritually uplifting , bringing together the Sisters in an atmosphere of thanksgiving , unity and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. After the Eucharistic celebration, the Sisters, together with Fr. Chirwa, proceeded in a prayerful procession to the grotto for the official blessing ceremony.
The Sisters also prayed the Holy Rosary together at the grotto as an appreciation for the sacred place and the gift of Our Lady, entrusting their congregation , mission and intentions to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Hymns, prayers and words of thanking marked the occasion as the sacred place was dedicated to God for continue prayer, meditation and spiritual renewal.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Superior General Sr. Bernadette Mnyenyembe encouraged the Sisters to make good use of the grotto as a place of silence, prayer and spiritual growth. She reminded them that sacred places help people draw closer to God, strengthen their vocation, and receive spiritual blessings and guidance in their daily lives.
The ceremony concluded with joy and gratitude as the Sisters reflected on the significance of the Feast of our Lady of Fatima and the blessing of the grotto , which will remain a special place of prayer and encounter with God for the congregation.
Prepared by Sr. Justina Ngulube (SHR).