"This is the first time this international traveling statue will have been in the Springfield diocese," said Brandon. "It will be here with the permission of Bishop (Thomas John) Paprocki."

The history of the International pilgrim statue began nearly 65 years ago. On May 13, 1947, the first statue was blessed and named. Almost before it began its journey, so many places wanted her to visit that it was decided that a second "Western" statue should be blessed; this one on Oct. 13, 1947.

Today the two statues — both carved by the sculptor Jose Thedim — travel internationally. Both physical and spiritual cures in the presence of the statue have been documented. The statue has always had a full-time custodian and has never stopped traveling since 1947.

"We are so excited about the good response we've had to the statue," said Donna Berte of the Marian Center in Springfield, who is working to schedule when the statue will be displayed. "We are also hoping to have a visit at the Taylorville Correctional Center." She says the statue — also known as the "Weeping Madonna" — will start its tour at St. John's Hospital and will visit a variety of parishes, several schools and nursing homes.

The statue's custodian will be on hand in the Springfield diocese to speak of her significance. The only requirements are that the statue be placed in an appropriate place on a table, the speaker is allowed to talk on the message, and that the location is open to the public.

For questions about the International Pilgrim Virgin Statue, call Donna Berte of the Marian Center at (217) 744-3610 or Emma Brandon at (217) 529-2617.

Editor's note: At press time, some dates for the International Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima had not yet been finalized. Either check the sidebar or watch upcoming Sunday parish bulletins to see if the statue will be in your area.

Where to see pilgrim statue of Our Lady

Here's where the International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima will be appearing next month. More dates may be scheduled, so watch your parish bulletin for more information.

• Tuesday, April 10: St. John's Hospital Chapel, Springfield, noon-3 p.m., noon Mass
• Tuesday, April 10: Sacred Heart Parish, Virden, 6:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 11: St. Mary's Parish, Pittsfield, 5-8 p.m.
• Thursday, April 12: St. Brigid Parish, Liberty, 7:30 a.m. Mass
• Saturday, April 14: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Springfield, 8-11 a.m., 8 a.m. Mass
• Saturday, April 14: Catholic Pastoral Center Chapel, Springfield, afternoon Spanish prayer
• Sunday, April 15: Christ the King Parish, Springfield, Masses at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
• Sunday, April 15: Young Adult Mass, Catholic Pastoral Center Chapel, Springfield, 8 p.m.
• Monday, April 16: St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Chatham, 8 a.m.-noon, 8 a.m. Mass
• Wednesday, April 18: Villa Health Care West, Sherman, 9 a.m. Mass
• Thursday, April 19: St. Joseph's Home, Springfield, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
• Thursday, April 19: Little Flower Parish, Springfield, 12:30 p.m.
• Thursday, April 19: St. Agnes Parish Hall, Springfield, Catholic Daughters of America, evening prayer
• Friday, April 20: Sacred Heart-Griffin High School chapel, Springfield, 7:10 a.m. Mass, all-day visit
• Saturday, April 21: St. Mary Parish, Paris, 1 p.m.-7 p.m., 5:30 p.m. Mass
• Sunday, April 22: Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Decatur, 1-5 p.m., 1 p.m. Spanish Mass
• Monday, April 23: St. Thomas Church, Decatur, 8:30 a.m. Mass
• Monday, April 23: Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Decatur, family rosary night
• Tuesday, April 24: Benedictine University, Springfield, 12:15-3:15 p.m., 12:15 Mass
• Wednesday, April 25: Dominican Convent, Springfield, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Thursday, April 26: St. Francis Xavier Parish, Jerseyville
• Friday, April 27: Holy Ghost Parish, Jerseyville, 8:30-11 a.m., 8:30 a.m. Mass