The annual novena in honour of Our Lady of Fatima has begun, drawing Catholic faithful across Dominica into nine days of prayer and reflection ahead of the feast day on 13 May.
The novena, a traditional nine-day devotion, is being observed in parishes and homes, with many following the services online. The event holds particular significance for Dominica's Catholic community, which has long maintained a strong devotion to Our Lady of Fatima.
Our Lady of Fatima is a title given to the Virgin Mary, based on the reported apparitions to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. The devotion spread widely across the Caribbean, including Dominica, where it became a fixture of the liturgical calendar.
The novena typically includes the recitation of the Rosary, prayers for peace, and reflections on the messages of Fatima. In Dominica, parishes often hold evening services, and families gather to pray together, a practice that has continued across generations.
The Feast of Our Lady of Fatima is celebrated on 13 May each year, commemorating the first apparition. In Dominica, the day is marked with Masses and processions, though the novena leading up to it is seen as a time of preparation and spiritual renewal.
The devotion is especially strong in rural communities, where the church remains a central institution. Many Dominicans who have migrated also maintain the tradition, joining in prayer from abroad, reflecting the close ties between faith and family life on the island.
This year's novena comes as the Catholic Church in Dominica continues its regular pastoral activities. The Diocese of Roseau, which covers the entire island, has encouraged the faithful to participate, either in person or through broadcast and online channels.
The novena is not only a religious event but also a community occasion. In villages, the evening prayers often bring together neighbours, and the church grounds become a meeting place. For many, it is a time to reconnect with friends and to support one another in faith.
The theme of the novena typically focuses on peace, conversion, and hope, echoing the messages attributed to the Fatima apparitions. These themes resonate in Dominica, where communities continue to recover from past storms and economic challenges, and where faith often provides comfort and strength.
As the novena progresses, the faithful are expected to gather in increasing numbers, culminating in the feast day celebrations. The annual observance remains one of the most widely followed devotions in the country, reflecting the enduring place of Marian devotion in Dominican life.
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