World-famous statue to visit Hilton Head Island, Beaufort

A famous world-traveling statue will be on Hilton Head Island next week.

The International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima will arrive at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church on Monday May 2.

The statue was sculpted in 1947 by Jose Thedim, and based on the description of Sister Lucia of Fatima — one of three children who saw the Virgin Mary in 1917 in Fatima, Portugal, a series of events described as a miracle.

The statue has traveled the world, visited more than 100 countries and will be in South Carolina throughout the month of May.

The statue will be at the church and opened for viewing for one day beginning with a Recitation of the Rosary from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. May 2. Additional services and a presentation on the statue will follow at 5:30 p.m. and a special mass is from 7 to 8 p.m.

The church is at 45 Beach City Road, Hilton Head.

The statue will also be at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 70 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort, from 6 to 10 .m. May 3. Mass will be celebrated at 7 p.m. followed by a Rosary service at 9 p.m.

This story was originally published April 27, 2016 at 9:55 AM with the headline "World-famous statue to visit Hilton Head Island, Beaufort."