The last day of the World Consultation on Social Communication 2022, held in Lisbon from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1, was marked by a visit to Fatima and the consecration of all Communications Delegates and their teams to Our Lady of Fatima.

In a place as rich in spirituality as the Shrine of Fatima, the participants had the opportunity to pray, learn about the history of the Fatima apparitions and stay in the house of Our Lady.

The Mass in the Chapel of Apparitions, presided over by Fr. Mendes, was one of the most significant moments of the day. In his homily, on the day when the whole Church celebrated the Solemnity of All Saints, Fr. Mendes described Our Lady as a “communicator of life and hope,” and went on to say that "she was not afraid of the people or the community." As the General Councilor said, Our Lady "taught us that holiness is being among people." Therefore, he urged all pilgrims to thank God for being on the "safe path," that is, "the path of love," and concluded, "May the feast of All Saints' Day inspire us to show our love for Our Lady, and may we always see God in others."

The moment of consecration of all Social Communication Delegates and their teams took place after communion through the recitation in Italian, a prayer dedicated to Our Lady by Pope Francis.

In addition, as a form of thanksgiving for all the graces granted, and in the hope that many more will come, at the end of the Eucharist, Fr. Mendes and the other members of the World Consultation laid a bouquet at the feet of the statue of Our Lady as an offering.

The Little Shepherds of Fatima were also remembered on this special day. Participants at the meeting visited the graves of the Fatima children and prayed for their intercession.

The pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, a centre of Marian devotion nationwide, visited each year by millions of pilgrims from all over the world, marked the closing of the meeting of the Social Communication Sector.