Visitation of the National Pilgrim Statue of our Lady of Fatima

24 Apr 2017

We look forward to welcoming the National Pilgrim Statue of our Lady of Fatima to Downside, on Thursday 4th May. It is expected that a large number of visitors will attend, here are a few tips to help you arrive on time! 

Sat Nav

The postcode for Downside Abbey is BA3 4RH. Downside is on the A367 (Fosse Way).

Parking 

A free car park is situated to the rear of St Benedict’s Church, Stratton on the Fosse, BA3 4QN for members of the public. Please allow 5-7 minutes to walk to the Abbey Church entrance. In the event that overflow parking is required, further spaces will be available at Downside School (please allow 10-15 minutes to walk to the Abbey Church). 

Disabled parking will be available just beyond the gate at the Abbey Church entrance, within the Monastery site. Please have a blue badge ready upon arrival and our stewards will direct you to the right place. 

Minibuses and Coaches

Please advise us if you will be bringing a minibus or coach on the day, as we do have allocated spaces. Contact Claire Wass, cwass@downside.co.uk 01761 235151 in advance. Entrance is along Abbey Lane, Stratton on the Fosse, BA3 4RH as normal.

Public Transport

The nearest railway stations are situated at Bath Spa (20 mins), Castle Cary (20 mins) and Frome (20 mins). The No.174 Mendip Explorer bus stops at the end of Abbey Lane. 

For a full list of contact numbers and Google Map, click here.

Click here to book your place.

Schedule for the Day

Priests wishing to concelebrate at the Mass should bring white diocesan vestments and their celebret. Non-concelebrating priests and religious should wear choir dress.

Downside Abbey Church

9.50 am Welcome, James Whitehead, Head Master of Downside School

9.55 am “The Message of Fatima” and Information about NPVS Oliver Abasolo, Custodian of the NPVS

10 am Procession, Blessing & Crowning of the NPVS. Mass, Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

11.30 am Veneration of the Relics in the Church.

11.30 am to 12.25 pm A number of Priests will be available to hear Confessions

12 am Enrolment into Brown Scapular Confraternity

12.30 pm Midday Office

Weld Café

12.45 pm Refreshments available in the Weld Café. Please bring a packed lunch.  

Downside Theatre

2 pm Talk by Oliver Abasolo on Fatima, with questions to be taken by Oliver Abasolo and Tim Tindal-Robertson, National President of the World Apostolate of Fatima

3 pm Film “The Little Shepherds of Fatima; The Story of Blessed Francisco and Jacinta”

Visitor Centre

4 pm Refreshments in the Visitor Centre.

6 pm Vespers followed by Procession in the Grounds

8 pm Compline and then Finish.