LEWISTON – The International Pilgrim Virgin statue of Fatima is traveling throughout the state from Aug. 1 to 22, with a stop Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

The statue is a representation of Our Lady of Fatima and the miracle of Fatima in which the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three children in 1917 to request prayer for the conversion of Russia. Soon after the apparitions, two of the children died as Our Lady predicted: Francisco Marto at age 11 and Jacinta Marto at age 10.

Pope John Paul II beatified the two children on May 13, 2000, the 83rd anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady at Fatima.

The last surviving seer of Fatima, Lucia Santo, was 97 years old and a Carmelite Nun in Coimbra, Portugal, when she died Feb. 13 of this year.

Following is the schedule of when the statue will be shown in the area:

• The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul of Lewiston, Saturday, Aug. 6, at 4 and 5:30 p.m. Masses; 6:45 p.m., special evening devotions to include rosary and benediction, followed by an all-night exposition of the blessed sacrament. The upper church will be accessible all night at the elevator entrance only. The statue will be taken to its next location after the 10 a.m. Mass Sunday, Aug. 7.

• Our Lady of the Rosary of Sabattus, a daughter church of the Basilica, Sunday, Aug. 7, at 6:30 p.m., special Byzantine service to the Mother of God, followed by rosary and benediction and exposition of the blessed sacrament. The statue will depart after the 8:30 a.m. Mass Monday, Aug. 8.

• Saint Rose of Lima of Jay, Monday, Aug. 8, at 6 p.m. Mass, rosary and benediction.

• St. John the Baptist Church in Brunswick, Sunday, Aug. 21, at private devotions and at the 6 p.m. rosary and benediction. The statue will be taken to its last location after the 8 a.m. Mass Monday, Aug. 22.

For more information about the touring statue and the message of Fatima, go online to www.pilgrimvirginstatue.com.