Nothing still about statues when Joe is on the move

The parishioner of St. Bernard's Church in Cohoes delivers two statues of Our Lady of Fatima to homebound Catholics and others who are interested. The statue stays with families for a week.

He has nicknamed the statues "my Saturday girl" and "my Sunday girl" for the days that he picks up and delivers each of them. "I really enjoy bringing her around," Mr. Bonville said of the statues. "She keeps me busy."

Homebound faith

In addition to delivering the statues to homebound Catholics, he has brought them to parish First Communion and Confirmation classes, and to nursing homes. The statues are from St. Joseph's Marian Center in Altamont, which promotes devotions to Mary.

When he drops off the statue, Mr. Bonville also offers the residents videos about Our Lady of Fatima and the Rosary, and prayer cards.

Welcome guest

An example is Lucille Bertrand, a parishioner of St. Bernard's, who has hosted the statue often and likes to have it any time it's available. "I feel great when she's here," Mrs. Bertrand said. "It's a pleasure when she's with me."

Mrs. Bertrand has prayed for the Blessed Mother to intercede on her behalf many times and has found that her prayers have been answered. "She is so special," she said. "I can count on her. She's been awfully good to me."

Devoted

The pleasure of having the statue in her home is hard to describe, Mrs. Carnibucci said. "I can't explain it," she said. "It's a comforting feeling. I can feel the Blessed Mother's presence. There's a void when she's gone."

Letters to Mr. Bonville from people who have hosted the statue tell about friends and neighbors who came to pray while the statue was in their homes, and of the peace that results. He has also experienced a sense of peace while participating in this ministry.

"When I get down and out, I pray the Rosary," he said. "Things get better."

Volunteering

The traveling statue program was originally designed for families, Mr. Bonville said, but many parents were concerned that their children might damage the statue. However, he has found them to be very open to learning about Our Lady of Fatima.

"The kids are very enthusiastic," he said.

(Editor's note: For information about the statues, call Joseph Bonville at 785-4483.)

(03-21-02) [[In-content Ad]]