Pope Francis plans to consecrate humanity, especially Russia and Ukraine, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Friday, March 25th, which is the Solemnity of the Annunication. The Pope has called on the bishops of the world to join him in consecrating themselves and all humanity. One of the meanings of the word consecrate is to “devote or dedicate to some purpose.” On Friday, the Church will dedicate humanity to the purpose of peace – with a special emphasis on peace in Ukraine and Russia.
We make this consecration through the Immaculate Heart of Mary because of the unique and indispensable role that Mary played in salvation by respondiing with a profound “yes” to God’s invitation to become Jesus’ mother. We understand Jesus as consecrating humanity when Jesus says to Mary “behold your son” and to John “behold your mother” as he approaches the end of His life on the cross. Through the centuries, we have come to understand that Mary is given as mother to every single individual – and to humanity as a whole.
Locally, Bishop Robert Deeley will join Pope Franics and bishops around the world in making an Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Friday, March 25 at 11:45 am at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street in Portland. The service will include all five decades of the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the Fatima Prayer, The Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Angelus Prayer, and more. All are invited and welcome to attend. If you are unable to attend in person, you are encouraged to participate via livestream at http://www.portlandcatholic.org/livestreamed-liturgies
The Vatican website has an informative post here: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-03/pope-francis-letter-bishops-consecration-russia-ukraine.html