Contact: John Horvat, Organization: The American TFP, 717-225-7147 ext. 227, 717-309-7147 cell, jh1908@aol.com

HANOVER, Penn., Sept. 20 /Christian Newswire/ -- Catholics in fifty states are mobilizing to celebrate the ninety-year anniversary of the Marian apparitions of Fatima, Portugal. Faithful from coast to coast will commemorate the occasion with public square rosary rallies on October 13, the day on which the Miracle of the Sun was witnessed by 70,000 people in 1917.

In most major cities rally captains expect large turnouts at locations seen by the public. Everyone is welcome to attend the event coordinated by The American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property and its America Needs Fatima campaign.

The organization hopes for 2,000 simultaneous prayer rallies on October 13, from 12 noon to 2:00 PM.

"The American dream has become a sort of nightmare. Our culture is in turmoil. We suffer the bad effects of abortion, same-sex 'marriage,' pornography, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research, and terrorism," said Robert Ritchie, executive director of America Needs Fatima. "That's why so many are turning to Fatima for solutions. Without a doubt, conversion, prayer and penance are more necessary today than in 1917 when Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children, Jacinta, Francisco and Lucia."

Dozens of cardinals and bishops encourage the rallies with letters of support. Justin Cardinal Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, writes: "Please convey to the participants my encouragement as they undertake this public witness to their faith in Jesus Christ and their love and devotion to his holy Mother."

Edward Cardinal Egan sent his "gratitude and prayerful best wishes to all who volunteer and participate..."

The Most Reverend Elden Francis Curtiss, Archbishop of Omaha, Nebraska, added: "These rallies to be held across the nation for our citizens will be a powerful example to both Catholics and non-Catholics alike. May the inspiration of your commitment to Fatima lead many to our Lord."

More letters are posted at: http://www.tfp.org/rosarycampaign/index.htm

"Prayer is very powerful. I firmly believe that the holy rosary in particular is the key to restore society. It gives us the spiritual fortitude to follow God's law," said Mr. Ritchie. "Two thousands public rosary rallies will certainly attract God's blessing on America."