The parish “Nuestra Señora de Fatima” was established in 1966. When we assumed its management in 1997, it was a novelty for the people to see that the parish was run by a community of consecrated men and women, and immediately there was a warm welcome.
The Puerto Rican people immediately showed their kindness. During the inaugural Mass, aware that the missionaries who had just arrived lived off of Providence, some representatives of the local parish community entered the church with trolleys full of various gifts during the time of the offertory. It was the sign of their gratitude for our presence and of God’s loyalty. The male missionaries found accommodation in the parish premises, whereas the female missionaries lived in the house of a family who generously made it available for 15 years free of charge.
The parish, which extends over a territory of about 20 km² just outside the city of Arecibo, is composed of the central church and 4 chapels:
- The main church Nuestra Señor De Fatima, located in the Candelaria sector of the Sabana Hoyos district
- The chapel Virgen Imaculada, located in the Los Pinos sector of the Sabana Hoyos district
- The chapel Virgen del Carmen, located in the Ballaja sector of the Sabana Hoyos district
- The chapel San Francisco, located in the Garrochales district;
- The chapel Virgen Milagrosa, located in the San Luis sector of the Garrochales district
According to 2016 data, the total population reached 8,500 persons, of which 4,700 affirm to be Catholics. Of the 4,700 only 600-700 persons regularly attend Sunday mass.
We live in a green countryside area with “mogotes” (rounded limestone hills, typical of regions with tropical rains) with mostly single-family dwellings scattered throughout the land. There is no public transport so the locals use cars to get around. A rather high percentage of inhabitants are elderly and lonely.
The main activities carried out in the chapels are:
- The celebration of the pre-festive or festive Mass and, in rotation, one weekday Mass per month
- Visits to the sick, carried out by the ministers of the Eucharist
- Meetings with lay persons who have roles of responsibility
- Monthly meetings focused on the Gospel within families.
In the central church Nuestra Señora de Fatima there are different activities, groups and circumstances:
- Catechesis for children and adults
- Daily Mass, when possible
- Youth group
- Missionary children’s and adolescence groups
- Social pastoral care for the poor
- Liturgical animation choirs
- The “Legio Marie” group and the confraternity of the Sacred Heart
- Pastoral care of the family
- Missionary equipe
