About Us

A journey of prayer, service, fasting, and devotion that began in 1983.

SERVING SINCE

1983

Where It Began

In 1983, while living at Clark Air Base in the Philippines, Emelda Smith began feeding poor villagers in surrounding communities.

She would stock up her car with food and travel to poor areas to distribute meals to people in need.

This simple act of service became the beginning of a journey that would continue for more than four decades.

1984 — The Rosary Vigils

In 1984, Emelda began encouraging people and friends to pray the Rosary and to understand the importance of prayer.

She invited people and friends to pray the Rosary every first Saturday of each month from 6 PM to 6 AM.

A Rosary was prayed every 30 minutes throughout the night. The prayers followed the life of Our Lord Jesus through the Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious mysteries.

Emelda called these gatherings Vigils.

They were tired and sleepy, but they were joyful. People would rest in between the Rosaries and continue praying together through the night.

1985 — A Mission Is Founded

In 1985, Emelda founded the Missionaries of Our Lady of Fatima.

She continued feeding communities and coordinated with St. Vincent de Paul with the feeding efforts. She also invited friends to help with the work.

Volunteers

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Lives saved

SERVING THE POOR

RESTORING HOPE

BUILDING A PLACE OF FAITH

SUPPORT THE CHAPEL

JOIN US IN PRAYER

SERVING SINCE 1983

1985 — A Mission Is Founded

In 1985, Emelda founded the Missionaries of Our Lady of Fatima.

She continued feeding communities and coordinated with St. Vincent de Paul with the feeding efforts. She also invited friends to help with the work.

A Life of Prayer and Fasting

For many years since 1983, Emelda has continued to pray the Rosary and fast.

Her prayers are for families, people’s unity, and world peace.

She does not pray for material things because she believes God already knows what people need.

Through the ups and downs of this long journey, she has continued to pray, fast, and serve.

Serving Without Recognition

For many years, the work was not photographed or advertised.

Emelda believed that the work was not about recognition. It was about serving God.

She believes that God sees everything we do.

This spirit of humble service remains part of the heart of the Missionaries of Our Lady of Fatima.

The Journey Continues

Today, the mission continues with a vision to build a Chapel and community home on 10 acres in Palmdale, California.

The Chapel will be a place for prayer, meals, counseling, community gatherings, faith, and outreach.

This Chapel is His Will and Plan. I am just His instrument.

A Life Rooted in Prayer

Prayer has been an important part of this journey since the beginning.

Emelda began organizing Rosary Vigils in 1984, bringing friends and members of the community together to pray throughout the night.

The Vigils followed the life of Our Lord Jesus through the Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious mysteries of the Rosary.

The mission continues to pray for:

Families

For families and their needs.

Unity

For unity among people.

World Peace

For peace throughout the world.

Restoring Hope and Dignity

Our mission is not only about providing food. It is about being present with people who are facing hunger, hardship, and difficult circumstances.

Through hot meals, prayer, faith, and outreach, we seek to serve one neighbor at a time.

Feed

Serving people facing hunger and hardship.

Pray

Coming together in prayer for families, unity, and world peace.

Serve

Giving time and support to people and communities in need.

Support

Helping create a place where people can find community.

Be Part of the Mission

There are several ways you can help support the Missionaries of Our Lady of Fatima and the vision for the Chapel.

Donate

Help support the mission and the vision to build the Chapel and community home.

Volunteer

Give your time and help serve people and communities in need.

Support the Chapel

Help make the vision for a place of prayer, meals, counseling, and community support possible.

Join in Prayer

Join us in prayer for families, people’s unity, and world peace.