March 21, 2022
Dear Fathers,
On Friday March 25, 2022, on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, Pope Francis has invited the Church to pray for the consecration of Russia & the Ukraine to the Immaculate heart of Mary.
The Ukrainian and Russian Bishops have agreed to do this consecration in union with the Holy Father. Additionally, many other bishops from around the world are also joining in this prayer of consecration.
Presently, we do not have a copy of the prayer of consecration that Pope Francis will pray. Apparently, it is to be released shortly before. If it becomes available, I will make sure that it is forwarded to you.
In any case, encourage your parishioners to pray the rosary and the prayer of Consecration for this important purpose. It could be prayed at the end of Mass on Friday or at another suitable time that day.
Pope Francis will be celebrating a Penance service at 5 p.m., Rome time, on March 25th, 1p.m. our time, because Europe has not yet switched to daylight saving time. He will pray the Prayer of Consecration at that service.
I will be praying the rosary at 1 p.m. Friday (March 25th) at St. Therese the Little Flower Parish along with the prayer of Consecration. I have invited parishioners to join me.
Kind regards,
Fr. Brian MacDougall