Faithful in Troy celebrate first year of apostolate

By COLLEEN MCNORTON
For The Catholic Week
TROY — Parishioners and well-wishers at St. Martin of Tours Parish in Troy recently commemorated the first year of the Pilgrim Virgin apostolate at their parish. The statue of Our Lady of Fatima was displayed on the altar during Mass on October 16, and then brought into the parish hall afterward where photos could be taken of the statue, and questions could be answered about this international ministry. 
 Custodian Debi Green made posters with pictures of first year “families,” and placed them around the church in anticipation of the celebration. 
 The Rev. Christopher G. Boutin, pastor of St. Martin of Tours in Troy and pastor of St. John the Evangelist in Ozark, said the Pilgrim Virgin apostolate has been a tremendous success in its first year. 
 “I am deeply grateful to everyone for bringing this ministry to our parish,” he said. “I know it required a lot of effort, but the fruits of families praying together in their homes is evident.” 
 Green and her assistants have also reached out to the students at Troy University and found a keen interest in having the Pilgrim Virgin statue spend time in dorm rooms. 
 Fr. Boutin said the Pilgrim Virgin has blessed the students and has helped to draw them closer to their faith. 
 "It a privilege to have the Pilgrim Virgin at our house for the week,” said Claire Fraser, a missionary with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students on the Troy campus. “We offered our intentions for the conversion of souls on Troy University’s campus and the deepening of conversions.” 
 “I am privileged to be a custodian of the Pilgrim Virgin statue of Our Lady of Fatima,” said Green. “I pray this apostolate spreads so all families of St. Martin of Tours have a chance to host Our Lady for a week, and to see for themselves the miracles that can happen.” 
—  For information about the Pilgrim Virgin apostolate in the Troy area, call Green at 334-322-3620.