Ukrainian Catholic ChurchAustralia, New Zealand and Oceania
Cardinal Mykola participated in the Fatima Day celebration at Penrose Park
March 14, 2026
On 13 March, the Fatima Day Celebration took place at the pilgrimage centre of Penrose Park (New South Wales), with the participation of Bishop Mykola Cardinal Bychok, Eparch of Melbourne.
Penrose Park is a well-known place of pilgrimage where the faithful from various national communities gather in prayer. Each month, on the 13th day, a pilgrimage is held there in honour of Our Lady of Fatima.
The programme of the day included exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the opportunity for confession, the praying of the Rosary, and the solemn Divine Liturgy, as well as a Eucharistic procession to the grotto.
Addressing the pilgrims during his homily, Cardinal Mykola emphasised the spiritual significance of this place: “This is a shrine where the Mother of God gathers her children, where prayer rises like incense, and where hearts are renewed in hope.” He also expressed his gratitude to the Pauline Fathers, who founded this pilgrimage site in 1984 and continue to care for it to this day.
The Bishop drew particular attention to a passage from the reading of the Prophet Hosea: “We hear one of the most tender invitations in all of Scripture: ‘Return to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.’ These words were spoken to a people who had wandered far from God, who had trusted in idols, alliances, and their own strength. Yet God does not respond with anger or rejection. Instead, He reveals His heart: ‘I will heal their disloyalty; I will love them freely.’ What a beautiful revelation of who God is. He is not a distant judge waiting to condemn, but a Father who longs for His children to come home. He is the One who heals, who restores, who makes the barren places bloom again.”
Cardinal Mykola also emphasised the relevance of the message of Our Lady of Fatima in the modern world, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine, highlighting the power of prayer: “Prayer is not weak. Prayer is not passive. Prayer is not an escape from reality. Prayer is the most powerful force in history because it opens the door for God to act. When Our Lady asked the children to pray the Rosary every day for peace, she was teaching the world that peace begins in the heart, that peace is sustained by grace, and that peace is defended by the prayers of the faithful.”
In conclusion, Cardinal Mykola thanked all those present for their prayers and support for Ukraine and encouraged a deeper spiritual life during the time of Great Lent.
Photo: penrosepark.com.au
