Lady of Fatima Shrine's Festival of Lights starts today

Lockport Union-Sun & Journal, N.Y.
·2 min read

Nov. 18—The Lady of Fatima Shrine in Lewiston is hosting its 33rd annual Festival of Lights starting today through Jan. 7.

This year the shrine will have a new feature — a Christmas Star measuring 7 feet high and almost 5 feet wide, hovering over the Angel at the Outdoor Nativity, next to the Shrine Basilica.

The Christmas Star was designed by Brian Brant, shrine maintenance manager, and fabricated with the help of his brother Ron Brant, who also works at the shrine.

The festival will be formally opened with the lighting, raising and blessing of the new Christmas Star after today's 4 p.m. Mass. The Knights of Columbus Council #14622 will also host its annual pasta and meatball dinner and bake sale from 3 to 7 p.m. in the shrine cafeteria.

There will also be a Family Rosary Gala in Fatima Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with family fun, including a scavenger hunt, coloring bonanza by the Shrine Rosary Makers.

Father Julio Ciavaglia, a former director and the designer of the festival and outdoor Nativity scene passed away this past April, however, the Shrine will continue the legacy that inspired him. In his words, "By the Festival we continue to try to focus everyone on Christ's peace in what is recognized by all as the season of Peace. We, by presenting the Festival of Lights, hope to promote a haven for people to enjoy the ultimate meaning of the Christmas season, namely that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, wishes harmony and justice among all peoples."

The figures of Nativity, some over 9 feet high, as well as numerous other illuminated decorations, have been fabricated locally in the shops at Fatima Shrine. These symbols and the glass dome basilica light up 15 acres of gardens.

The shrine's office and gift shop is open until 9 p.m. during nights when the lights are lit. The lights will be on daily from 5 to 9 p.m. today through Nov. 26 and Dec. 18 through Jan. 1. Lights on Friday through Saturday only Nov. 27 through Dec. 17 and Jan. 5 through the 7.

Admission is free and the grounds are handicapped accessible. Fatima Shrine is located at Swann Road just off of Route 18. For more information, visit www.fatimashrine.com.