VATICAN CITY (ZENIT.org).- On October 8 John Paul II will entrust the Third Millennium to Our Lady of Fatima. The news was announced by Archbishop Crescenzio Sepe, secretary general of the Vatican Jubilee Committee. The statue of the Blessed Virgin will be brought from Portugal to Rome for the occasion.

    The consecration will take place at the very moment the Bishops from around the world are meeting in Rome to celebrate their special Jubilee.

    The idea of bringing the Fatima statue to Rome originated with the Pope himself. The Bishop of the shrine was very pleased. Archbishop Sepe said on Vatican Radio: "We are organizing the transport, but especially the days during which the Virgin will be venerated in St. Peter's in the Vatican. I think it will be one of the most moving Marian events of the whole Jubilee."

    The consecration will take place at the end of the Mass, which the Pope will concelebrate with all the Bishops from around the world, who will be celebrating their Jubilee in the Eternal City. "The statue of the Virgin will arrive in Rome a few days before; therefore, we are organizing it so that all the faithful who wish to venerate her may be able to do so," Archbishop Sepe said.

    For the time being, no plans have been made for the Fatima statute to leave the Vatican. The Holy Father would have to approve such plans, which will be published in the near future.

    Archbishop Sepe also confirmed that John Paul II accepted the Bishop of Fatima's invitation to beatify Francisco and Jacinta, the two visionary children, in the Portuguese shrine itself on May 13. The Holy Father will arrive in Portugal on Friday, May 12, and on the 13th he will preside at the Beatification Mass which will be held in the fields near the Fatima shrine. ZE00032202