Our Lady of Fatima Group History

Watch a Video of Fr. Herb Bless the Construction Site

In 1943, a small number of men weathered the bitter cold of January to retreat far into the hills of eastern Pennsylvania. They would return each year to make this quiet personal pilgimage, and go on to form a very special group; a group that would historically exhibit great influence at St. Joseph's in the Hills.  This group of men would become "Our Lady of Fatima" group,  and since 1945 has convened during the 2nd weekend of the year at St. Joseph's in the Hills.  The first C.A. Captain was Judge Robert Bolger, and by the time Judge Bolger stepped down, in 1952, from his role as C.A. Captain, the group boasted 250 attendees.  It was the 1954 retreat weekend the group changed their name from "The Judge Bolger Group" to "Our Lady of Fatima". 

The group adopted the name of Our Lady of Fatima (OLF) at the suggestion of Joseph Vaccaro who would later become the 3rd C.A. Captain of OLF. Vaccaro was probably inspired by the previous year's release of the film, The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima,which told the story of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary appearing to the three shepherd children in Fatima.

Our Lady of Fatima group is known for being represented on many council seats including the Steering Committee, the Retreat League and the Board of Directors.  Members from OLF were also instumental in initiating the construction of McShain Hall.  Our Lady of Fatima group strives to be a driving force in the purpose of the Men of Malvern; to carry out the mission of the church, to bring people to the feet of Christ.

PROSIT.