GOALS / MARCH 2023

 

The Portuguese American Rosary Society of Our Lady of Fatima (aka Irmandade) has been in existence for decades. Over the past few years, as a result of demographic changes in the Portuguese community, the Irmandade has had to reassess its mission, its size, and its activities. The sale of the old headquarters and purchase of the new facility are the outcome of that reassessment. The new much-downsized facility has been in the process of renovation using the labor of volunteer members. 

The renovation is almost complete with the objective to formally open it to members later this year through a Grand Opening. Prior to that, we plan an Open House to the general public at a date to be determined. 

While we do this, we are also evaluating the nature and extent of activities we will be able to offer in the new facility as we carry out its mission as a religious association.

UPDATES / MARCH 2024

The Irmandade is happy to report that the 2023 goals were met. We successfully re-opened the facilities on May 13, 2013. There were over 70 people in attendance. Since then we have continued our religious goals of prayer and service to our members and the Portuguese community at large. We have had several Rosary Meetings which were well attended. In addition, we started our “Academia de Convivencia” The Social Academy where we invited our most senior members to gather for a light lunch and an afternoon of socializing, reminiscing, games and singing.

Our cultural events included dinners, luncheons and children’s activities that combined Portuguese culinary traditions with Portuguese historical events.

We have retained many of our previous members and acquired many new members.

We improved our facilities by finishing the basement where there is an office, storage area, religious artifact room and a Rancho artifact room. We were gifted silverware, table linens and many decorative items.

We are grateful for our members who have supported our initiatives this first year of re-opening. We have had positive feedback and we’ve listened to suggestions for improvement.

The Irmandade is here to serve its members by continuing to add more activities that appeal to our members and that follow the teachings of Our Lady of Fatima.