St. Aloysius Parochial School

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In a small town, Fatima, in west central Portugal, the Virgin Mary appeared in 1917. On May 13th of that year, three children told of seeing a vision of a lady near Fatima while they were tending sheep. They said that the lady, dressed in a white gown and veil, told them to come there on the 13th day of each month until the following October when she would tell them who she was. On October 13th, she said that she was our Lady of the Rosary, and told the children to recite the rosary every day. She called for people to reform their lives and asked that a chapel be built in her honor. Since then, the little town of Fatima, a four hour journey from Lisbon, has become a national shrine and the scene of impressive manifestations of faith and numerous miracles.

In 1947, a Tularean, Frank L. Lucio, whose chronic illness led to frequent prayers, made a promise to arrange a proper thanksgiving and dinner in honor of "Our Lady of Fatima" when he recovered. His desire to organize a celebration grew while attending a Fatima procession and celebration in Artesia. With strong determination and dedicated help from Joe Lucio, Manuel A. Borba and Frank Tristao, Jimmie Ferasci and many others, the Fatima celebration became a reality in October of 1947. Hazel Gomes was selected queen. Her attendants were Pat Hill, Lorraine Girado, Marie Frutuoza and Mary Perez.  Highlights of the festivities were a coronation ball and crowning of the queen, dancing to the best music available, a parade to and from St. Aloysius Church and the serving of barbecue steak. An estimated 5,000 people attended the weekend festivities.

In 1948, The Fatima Committee had grown to more than 50 men; and was approached by Rev. Mathew O'Brien of St. Aloysius Church to donate the proceeds of the celebration to the building fund for a new Parochial school. Through hard work and strong dedication the "Our Lady of Fatima" celebration continues to support St. Aloysius Parochial School. It has grown to a week of prayer and preparation. Activities include nightly Novenas, bullfights, game and food booths manned by church organizations, sopas, live auction and dancing. People from all over California come annually and join in the parade and celebration.