Have you ever felt the quiet strength of faith? Our Lady of Fatima Church stands before you a testament to that enduring spirit. Right here in East Elmhurst Queens this church isn’t just a building it’s a living history. Founded in 1952 by Rev Maurice Lenihan Our Lady of Fatima Church wasn’t built overnight. Masses began in an automobile showroom then moved to a tent and a Quonset hut. Imagine the dedication of those early parishioners. Construction on the present church began in 1959. It was completed in 1961. The church celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011. That marked 50 years since the completion of this very building. Ten years later in 2017 they celebrated the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal. The events of the church history are not just dates. They represent a community’s unwavering devotion.
Inside Our Lady of Fatima Church a mosaic depicts Our Lady of Fatima’s apparition. The three children Lucia Jacinta and Francisco are also shown. This is the backdrop for the altar. Outside near the side entrance stand statues honoring the apparition. This is more than just a visual reminder. It’s a constant invitation to reflect and pray. Father Eugene F Donnelly Corner is named after a priest who served the parish for 42 years. The street co-naming took place on September 21 2013. This is a tangible mark of the priest’s lasting impact on the community. This place is a hub of activity. It’s more than a place of worship.
Our Lady of Fatima Church provides daily and Sunday masses in English and Spanish. This reflects the diverse community it serves. Next door is Our Lady of Fatima School. It educates children from nursery to 8th grade. Margaret Rogers is the current principal. The school serves East Elmhurst and surrounding areas such as Jackson Heights Woodside Astoria Heights and Corona. Marguerite’s Food Pantry operates from the church. This is a religious nonprofit. It provides food and goods to those in need. It’s named after St Marguerite d’Youville the pantry’s patron saint. It was originally run by the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart. The weekly bulletin keeps the community informed. It details Mass times special intentions prayer requests a message from the pastor registration statistics and upcoming events. A religious articles store is located in the back of the church. This is one more piece in the multifaceted life of Our Lady of Fatima Church.
Our Lady of Fatima Church is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a vibrant center of faith community and service. A place where history unfolds daily. It’s a place where the past present and future intertwine in a powerful testament to the enduring power of faith. As you leave Our Lady of Fatima Church may you carry with you its spirit of hope and its legacy of unwavering devotion.