Several dozen people gathered in the evening at the intersection near Łukasiewicza Street. At 8:30 p.m., escorted by several police cars, they walked along Bielska, Tyrankiewiczów, Kubika and Kościelna streets all the way to the basilica.

Residents followed the group’s procession and recorded the event. The recording shows the marchers carrying some kind of illuminated statue—probably Our Lady of Fátima. The entire group was escorted by the police.

We found information on the basilica’s website about this religious event held on September 18. It was a rosary procession connected with the parish missions, which this year focused on the Fátima prophecies.

Catholics believe that the Fátima prophecies are messages delivered to the world more than a century ago to three children—shepherds from the Portuguese village of Fatima. According to their testimony, the Heavenly Lady, known as Our Lady of the Rosary, appeared to them and entrusted them with three secrets. They speak of suffering and wars, but also of the possibility of salvation if people undertake prayer, penance and conversion.

The most important sign of this spirituality is the rosary—a prayer repeated over and over, individually and communally. During devotions, Catholics gather with lanterns and candles and pray in procession around churches, along city streets or in cemeteries.

During the parish missions, each day recalls a different part of the messages:

  • first, the consequences of sin and the need for atonement,
  • then, the call to penance and prayer,
  • next, the requests of the Virgin Mary which, if fulfilled, are meant to bring peace,
  • and finally, obedience and trust in God.

Catholics teach children these ideas, bless medicines and the sick, and also commemorate the dead, believing that prayer helps both the living and the deceased.

For them, the Fátima prophecies are not an ominous prediction but a signpost—a guide showing that the fate of the world can be different if people respond with faith and prayer. Catholics see in them hope, comfort and the promise that their prayers matter not only for their own lives but also for the future of all humanity.