Last Friday, men and women who attend day programs at The Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence honored the Blessed Mother at a special Mass celebrating the 100th anniversary of her apparitions to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. DGV/DPV is a division of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia serving men and women with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Nearly 150 men and women from the day programs along with their families and staff participated in a candle light procession from the day program’s workshop and classrooms to the nearby Our Lady of Fatima Church. Reverend Dennis Weber was the celebrant for the mid-morning Mass. In his homily, he shared the story of Our Lady of Fatima and reminded us that “Jesus’ mother is our mother, too.” He went on to say, “Her gifts make us hopeful, joyful and give us a reason to be happy.”
Following Mass, all congregants processed to a nearby statue of the Blessed Mother where they adorned her with a beautiful crown of flowers. In addition, men and women from the program took turns reciting the “Hail Mary.”
Approximately 250 men and women attend DGV/DPV day programs daily. These programs provide a safe and caring environment that allow individuals with disabilities to create meaningful and independent lives. Programs provide vocational training, life skills training, sensory stimulation, socialization, recreational and leisure activities, and more.
