On Friday, March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary during a service in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The same act, on the same day, will be carried out in Fatima by His Eminence Cardinal Krajewski, Apostolic Almoner, as envoy of the Holy Father. In response to Holy Father, Bishop Joseph will offer Mass for the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord at Sacred Heart Cathedral at 12:10 pm and make a similar Act of Consecration, so that our Local Church, the Diocese of Kamloops can participate in this prayerful intercession. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Leading up to the Holy Father’s consecration of Russia and the Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25th, the Ukrainian Catholic leaders will prepare with a novena that will start on 17 March 2022. They hope that all Catholic faithful from around the world will join them. In view of this appeal, the Catholic Bishops of Canada, united with the Holy Father, invite their faithful and all people of good will to participate in the novena with the following prayer:
God of peace and justice,
We pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow,
That your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace,
For wisdom, discernment, and compassion to guide their decisions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at-risk and in fear,
That you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Amen.