By Orla Mullan
The relics of Saint John Paul II are being brought to County Derry next weekend.
The first class relics and the Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima are being brought to Ballykelly as part of the Fatima Centenary Conference for Northern Ireland.
The event will be held in The Drummond Hotel in the village on Friday, September 8 and Saturday, September 9 in conjunction with the World Apostolate of Fatima, Ireland, the Pontifical Marian Academy, the Marian Institute, and the Mariological Society of Ireland.
This two day event will explore in detail the events of Fatima, its message for today's world and its calls to conversion and prayer.
It is 100 years since three shepherd children from the mountains of central Portugal reported that the Virgin Mary had appeared to them.
Among the experts who will attend the conference in Ballykelly are Fr John H. Walsh, Prior, Black Abbey, Kilkenny, Professor Father Ailbe O'Reilly, Professor of Theology, Newman College and Professor Father John Harris, Doctor of Sacred Theology, Newbridge College.
Also joining them will be Professor William A. Thomas of the Pontifical Marian Academy and Director of the Pope Saint John Paul II Institute of Marian Studies.
On Friday evening, the conferences begin at 6.45pm, although registration will open at 4pm.
After the lectures and documentary on Fatima there will be the recitation of the Holy Rosary, the investiture of the Scapular and solemn benediction.
On Saturday, beginning at 9am (registration open from 8am) there will be a series of lectures along with coffee breaks and at noon, a concelebrated Holy Mass. The conference will resume after lunch with the Rosary.
The fee is £30 and early booking is advised as there are limited seats.
Contact Joan on 00353872525075.
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