About Our Lady of Fatima Shrine · Lewiston, New York
The Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima is a Modernist Roman Catholic minor basilica and national Marian shrine in Lewiston, New York, just north of Niagara Falls. Directed by the Barnabite Fathers (Clerics Regular of St. Paul) since its founding in 1954, it is dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima and honors the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title revealed to the three shepherd children at Fatima, Portugal in 1917. The 100-foot domed basilica, consecrated in 1974 and elevated to basilica status by Pope Paul VI on October 7, 1975, is crowned by a 13-foot, 10-ton Vermont granite statue of Our Lady of Fatima and sits on 16 acres that also include the Avenue of Saints (over 130 life-size marble statues), a replica of Portugal's Little Chapel of Fatima, a Giant Rosary, a meditation grove, and shrines to dozens of saints. Designated one of five diocesan pilgrimage sites for Jubilee 2025, the shrine draws thousands of pilgrims each year for Masses in English, Polish, Korean, Spanish, Filipino, and Tamil.
- Established
- 1954
- Patron
- Our Lady of Fatima (Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Fatima)
- Rector
- Very Rev. Peter M. Calabrese, CRSP (Rector)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Buffalo
Why belong here
Visiting or becoming part of the Fatima Shrine community means joining a multi-ethnic Catholic pilgrimage site where English, Polish, Korean, Spanish, Filipino, and Tamil Masses are celebrated alongside an extensive schedule of devotions, healing Masses, and First Saturday devotions. The Shrine offers daily Mass, weekday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, weekly Confession, rosary processions, a men's breakfast group, the Knights of Columbus Council #14622, and special annual pilgrimages (Filipino Day, Polish/Czestochowa Day, Korean Day, Vietnamese Day, Hispanic Day, Tamil Mass, and the Festival of Lights). It is an ideal spiritual home for anyone devoted to Our Lady of Fatima, drawn to Eucharistic Adoration, or seeking a peaceful Marian setting — and it is one of five designated pilgrimage sites in the Diocese of Buffalo for the Jubilee Year 2025.
Mass times at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- 15 minutes before every Mass
- Other times upon request
- Saturday: 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM (15 minutes before 4 PM Mass)
- First Saturday Devotions: 3:30 PM Rosary Procession / Confessions (followed by 4:00 PM Mass)
Adoration times
- Wednesday: 12:00 noon – 4:00 PM (Blessed Sacrament Adoration)
- Friday: 12:00 noon – 4:00 PM (Blessed Sacrament Adoration)
- First Saturday: 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM (Adoration, per directory listings)
History of Our Lady of Fatima Shrine
The Shrine was born from a 1954 land gift of 15 acres on Swann Road in Lewiston, NY by Walter and Helen Ciurczak to the Barnabite Fathers, who had arrived from Italy in the early 1950s to teach in Buffalo-area Catholic schools. The Ciurczaks' only condition was that a Marian shrine be built alongside the Barnabites' planned seminary, in thanksgiving for Walter's miraculous recovery from a stroke. The Fathers initially planned only a small grotto, but after donor Frank Sciabella contributed a complete set of Fatima statues in 1955, the project grew rapidly. Pilgrims began arriving as early as 1956, well before the much-anticipated 1960 release of the Fatima secrets. Construction of the present-day domed basilica began in 1959, was dedicated in 1965, consecrated on October 5, 1974, and raised to minor basilica status by Pope Paul VI on October 7, 1975. The Shrine has been directed continuously by the Barnabite Fathers (Clerics Regular of St. Paul), an order founded in 1530 by St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria.
- 1954: 15 acres donated by Walter and Helen Ciurczak
- 1955: Fatima statuary donated by Frank Sciabella
- 1959: Construction of present basilica begins
- 1965: Basilica dedicated
- October 5, 1974: Church consecrated
- October 7, 1975: Elevated to minor basilica by Pope Paul VI
- 1981: 48-foot Bell Tower erected; dedicated to Fr. Charles M. Barlassina, CRSP
- 2008: $6 million renovation completed under Fr. Julio Ciavaglia
- January 12, 2020: Fr. Peter M. Calabrese appointed Rector
Architecture & Notable Features
The basilica is a Modernist church designed by Buffalo architect Joseph E. Fronczak, set on 16 acres. Its defining feature is the dome — 100 feet in diameter and 55 feet high — covered with two layers of glass and Plexiglas etched with a contour of the Northern Hemisphere. Atop the dome stands a 13-foot, 10-ton statue of Our Lady of Fatima carved from Vermont granite. The 2008 renovation added 7,400 sq. ft. and introduced old-world artisan elements — granite stone walls, arched doorways, stained-glass windows, structural wood beams, and copper roofs. The grounds include more than twenty self-guided stations.
- Architect: Joseph E. Fronczak
- Style: Modernist (with old-world artisan additions after 2008)
- Dome: 100 ft diameter, 55 ft high; glass and Plexiglas with Northern Hemisphere
- Crowning statue: 13 ft tall, 10 tons, Vermont granite
- Bell Tower: 48 ft tall, erected 1981
- Avenue & Aisle of Saints: 130+ life-size marble statues
- Giant Rosary pool in the shape of the Immaculate Heart
- Stations of the Cross, Waterfall, Meditation Area
- Little Chapel of Fatima — replica of Portugal's original chapel
Shrines & Memorials on the Grounds
The 16-acre grounds contain more than twenty named shrines, memorials, and devotional stations, reflecting the Shrine's mission to honor Mary and the communion of saints from every nation and walk of life. Together they form a self-guided walking pilgrimage around the Basilica.
- Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa — donated by the Our Lady of the Rosary Guild of Buffalo
- Shrine of St. Jude Thaddaeus — patron of impossible causes
- Shrine of Mother Cabrini — first American citizen to be canonized (1850–1917); taught in Buffalo
- Shrine of the Sacred Heart
- Shrine of St. Anne and St. Joachim
- Shrine of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria — founder of the Barnabite order
- Shrine of the Holy Family
- St. Kateri Tekakwitha shrine — 'Lily of the Mohawks' (1656–1680), born at Auriesville, NY; canonized 2012
- St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina (1887–1968) statue
- Angel of Fatima statue (with the three shepherd children)
- Meditation Area: St. Lorenzo Ruiz, Vietnamese Martyrs (117), St. Andrew Kim, St. Rafqa, St. Sharbel, St. Takla, St. Hardini
- Little Chapel of Fatima (replica of the original in Portugal)
- Our Lady of Peace statue
Liturgical Schedule & Devotions
The Shrine maintains one of the most extensive liturgical and devotional schedules in the Diocese of Buffalo, with daily Masses, perpetual-style Adoration two days a week, weekly Sunday Rosary and Benediction, First Saturday Devotions, monthly Healing Masses (May–November), and a full calendar of cultural and Marian feasts throughout the year. Confessions are heard 15 minutes before every Mass and on request.
- Daily Mass: Monday–Saturday 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM
- Sunday Mass: 9:00 AM, 12:00 noon, 5:00 PM
- Confession: 15 minutes before each Mass, or on request
- Adoration: Wednesdays & Fridays 12:00 noon – 4:00 PM
- Sunday Rosary & Benediction: 3:00 PM
- Daily Rosary: 11:15 AM in May & October
- Stations of the Cross: Fridays of Lent at 12 noon
- First Saturday Devotions: 3:30 PM Rosary Procession / Confessions; 4:00 PM Mass
- First Sunday Healing Mass: 6:30 PM, May through November
Cultural Pilgrimages & Annual Events
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine hosts one of the most diverse pilgrimage calendars in the region, with cultural days organized by and for the Polish, Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino, Hispanic, and Tamil Catholic communities of western New York. The annual Festival of Lights (late November through January 6) is a major regional attraction and the Shrine's signature fundraiser.
- May – Mary's Day (Crowning of Mary); Tamil Mass
- June – St. Kateri Tekakwitha Day; Garden Party & Flower Show
- July – Polish/Czestochowa Day; Filipino Day / St. Lorenzo Ruiz Day
- August – Coronation Sunday (with crowning of the statue atop the Basilica); Hispanic Day; Blessing of Throats
- September – Vietnamese Day; Blessing of Oranges (Bl. Angelo da Furci); Korean Day
- October – NY State Knights of Columbus Annual Pilgrimage; Blessing of Cars
- November – Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Dinner; Thanksgiving Mass; Festival of Lights opens
- December – Festival of Lights (5–9 PM nightly); Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Masses
- 38th annual Filipino Day held in 2024
Ministries, Groups & Lay Organizations
Lay faithful play a central role in the Shrine's ministry. The Knights of Columbus Council #14622 is chaplained by the rector, and a Men's Group meets on the first Saturday of each month for breakfast, fellowship, and the First Saturday Devotions. Visiting Healing Mass celebrants and the Music Ministry round out the active lay leadership.
- Knights of Columbus Council #14662 (chap: Fr. Peter Calabrese, CRSP)
- Men's Group — first Saturday breakfast (9 AM) + devotions
- Music Ministry — coordinated with Healing Mass and regular liturgy
- Healing Mass Ministry — hosts rotating celebrants (e.g., Fr. Andre Patenaude 'The Singing Priest', Fr. Rick Poblock, Fr. Dan Young, Fr. David Tourville)
- Festival of Lights Benefit & Auction Committee (chaired by lay volunteers, e.g., Barb & Bob Hall, MaryAnn Buchan, Marie Ciavatta, Al Frosolone, Patrick Johnson, Rosaire Johnson, Wendy O'Connor, Mark Onesi, Charlene Perez, Al Picogna Sr., Anthony Reichmuth, Anne Marie Sawicki, Dianne Wysocki)
- Renovation Fundraising Campaign (since 2008)
- Online Gift Shop at fatimagiftshop.com
Clergy, Staff & Succession
The Shrine is served by Barnabite priests of the North American Province. The current rector, Very Rev. Peter M. Calabrese, CRSP, was appointed by the Father General effective January 12, 2020, succeeding Fr. Julio M. Ciavaglia, CRSP — who served 30 years as rector (April 11, 1990 – January 12, 2020) and was named Rector Emeritus. Fr. Frank Papa, CRSP serves as Associate Director and Provincial Chancellor, having previously ministered for 20 years in the Philippines and 2 years in India.
- Rector: Very Rev. Peter M. Calabrese, CRSP (since Jan 12, 2020) — also Provincial Superior (since Nov 2021) and pastor of Holy Family Parish, Tuscarora Reservation, Sanborn, NY
- Rector Emeritus: Rev. Julio M. Ciavaglia, CRSP (rector 1990–2020); led 2008 renovation
- Associate Director & Provincial Chancellor: Rev. Frank Papa, CRSP
- Bishop of Buffalo: Michael William Fisher
Sacraments & Devotional Life
All seven Catholic sacraments are available through the Shrine or in coordination with the Barnabite Fathers, who also minister at Holy Family Parish on the Tuscarora Indian Reservation. The Shrine's Eucharistic devotion is particularly strong, with twice-weekly Adoration, weekly Sunday Rosary and Benediction, monthly Healing Masses, and the recitation of the daily Rosary in May and October.
- Mass (daily, Sunday, and multilingual for pilgrimages)
- Reconciliation / Confession (before every Mass and by appointment)
- Anointing of the Sick (monthly Healing Masses, May–November)
- Eucharistic Adoration (Wednesdays & Fridays)
- First Saturday Devotions
- Baptism, Marriage, and other sacraments via Shrine office
- Stations of the Cross (Lenten Fridays)
Facilities: Pilgrim Center, Gift Shop & Grounds
The Shrine complex includes a Pilgrim Center (cafeteria) serving meals year-round (with a famous Friday Fish Fry), the Fatima Store religious articles gift shop (with an online store at fatimagiftshop.com), free parking, wheelchair-accessible facilities, a picnic area, and 16 acres of beautifully landscaped devotional grounds. During the Festival of Lights the grounds become a major Christmas display, drawing visitors from across western New York and southern Ontario.
- Pilgrim Center / Cafeteria — open Mon–Thu 11 AM–7 PM; Fri 11 AM–7 PM (with fish fry); Sat 11 AM–7 PM; Sun 10 AM–7 PM
- Fatima Store — religious articles, books, gifts (online: fatimagiftshop.com)
- Free parking, handicap facilities, wheelchairs available
- Picnic area and landscaped devotional grounds
- Festival of Lights: Saturday before Thanksgiving – January 6 (5–9 PM nightly)
- Closed: Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day
Visiting & Pilgrimage Information
Visitors are welcome year-round to walk the Shrine's self-guided tour of more than 20 devotional stations, attend daily Mass, spend time in Adoration, or arrange organized group pilgrimages. The Shrine is one of five sites designated by the Diocese of Buffalo for the Jubilee Year 2025 ('Pilgrims of Hope').
- Free parking on site; wheelchair-accessible facilities and wheelchairs available on request
- Self-guided walking tour with 20+ numbered stations
- Group pilgrimages can be arranged by calling (716) 754-7489 or emailing [email protected]
- Jubilee 2025 pilgrimage site (Diocese of Buffalo)
- Plenary indulgence available to those who recite the rosary at the Giant Rosary
- Jubilee indulgence available during the visit (with Confession, Communion, prayers for the Pope's intentions)
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Very Rev. Peter M. Calabrese, CRSPJanuary 12, 2020 – present
Also Provincial Superior of the Barnabite Fathers English Speaking Province (since November 2021) and pastor of Holy Family Parish on the Tuscarora Reservation in Sanborn, NY.
- Rev. Julio M. Ciavaglia, CRSPApril 11, 1990 – January 12, 2020
Served 30 years as rector; oversaw the 2008 $6 million renovation. Named Rector Emeritus in 2020.