Immediately after the dedication of the shrine a perpetual Novena was started. It was held every Wednesday evening at 7:30, at the shrine when weather permitted. During winter months it was held in the church. This Novena lasted for several years but has not continued recently. Also for several years two nine-day Novenas were held at the shrine, One from May 4th through May 13th and another from September 4th through September 13th.
On November 24, 1992 the shrine was destroyed by fire, with only the stone shell and fire-blackened statues remaining. In November of 1993 restoration work began with volunteer labor from the men of the parish. The limestone was all cleaned by sandblasting. A new roof was built and a glass front was added. They installed a new tile floor and vigil-light holders. The statues were sent off to be cleaned and painted. They were retuned to the alcove but without the plate glass in front of them. The glass was not necessary since the entire shrine would now be enclosed. On each side of the building two faceted-glass windows were added. These windows depict the "Miracle of the Dancing Sun", which occured at Fatima on October 13, 1917.
The Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima was rededicated on October 30, 1994, Archbishop Eusebius J. Beltran of Oklahoma City, Blessed the Shrine. The ceremony started with a prayer service inside the church and concluded with a procession to the shrine. The Knights of Columbus were present in full regalia as the stood at the attention while the Archbisop blessed the Shrine with Holy Water.
The Shrine is open 24 hours a day 360 days a year. Area residents, along with motorists driving along US 81, often stop to pray at the shrine during all hours.
Saint Joseph Parish welcomes you to the shrine and we hope your visit brings you joy and peace.
Prayer:
O Queen of the Holy Rosary, Sweet Lady
Of Fatima, who appeared in the land of
Portugal and who has restored peace to
that country once in such turmoil, we
beseech you: look graciously upon our
beloved country, and by your power
strengthen it spiritually and morally.
Bring back peace, also. to all the peoples
of the earth, so that all nations, especialy
our own, may rejoice in you as their
Queen of Peace. Amen
Thanks to Brother Joe Maly
for the information and suggestion to
add such wonderfull information!