- Pope Francis to lead the Act of Consecration in the Vatican within a service beginning at 4pm Irish time, see www.vaticannews.va
- Catholics in Ireland to join Pope Francis in prayer from cathedrals and parishes
- Special Collection for Ukraine to take place at Masses across Ireland this weekend
Tomorrow, Friday 25 March, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, Pope Francis will lead a ceremony of prayer in Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, to consecrate and entrust Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
In welcoming the Act of Consecration, Archbishop Eamon Martin invites the faithful and all people of goodwill to join with religious, clergy and bishops to pray for peace on this solemn occasion.
Archbishop Martin said, “The Catholic Church in Ireland will join wholeheartedly with Pope Francis to pray a solemn Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In pastoral leadership, Pope Francis will unite the universal Church in prayer for peace and asks us to do so from our homes, churches, cathedrals, and Marian sanctuaries. Together, with the bishops of Ireland, I invite everyone to join in this powerful global act of prayerful solidarity for peace in the world, and especially between Russia and Ukraine.
“I wish to assure the Archbishops in Ukraine that the thoughts and prayers of the people of Ireland are with them, and their people, in the midst of the horrific turmoil impacting their country. It is heartening to hear that the clergy of Ukraine are continuing to celebrate Mass and the sacraments on the streets and in the bunkers and shelters, doing their best to bring to their fearful people the love and compassion of Christ.
“One reality of the terror in Ukraine is that we can never take peace for granted. The appalling scenes of suffering compel us to always work for peace, pray for peace and make sacrifices for peace.”
Archbishop Martin concluded, “I ask everyone to generously support the Special Collection for Ukraine which will take place at Masses across the country this weekend.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors
- Archbishop Eamon Martin is Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. Text of the Act of Consecration, and detail of prayer liturgies in Irish dioceses, is available on a special feature of the homepage of www.catholicbishops.ie
- Consecration refers to “entrusting” the person consecrated to Our Lady. Consecration “is a conscious recognition of the singular role of Mary in the Mystery of Christ and of the Church, of the universal and exemplary importance of her witness to the Gospel, of trust in her intercession, and of the efficacy of her patronage, of the many maternal functions she has, since she is a true mother in the order of grace to each and every one of her children.” The act of consecration is made “to the Father, through Christ in the Holy Spirit, imploring the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom we entrust ourselves completely, so as to keep our baptismal commitments and live as her children.”
- The Bishops of Ireland have asked that a Special Collection for Ukraine be taken up in parishes this weekend of 26 and 27 March. The proceeds of this Special Collection will be directed to Caritas Internationalis which is the helping hand of the Church on the ground in the Ukraine and surrounding areas.
For media contact: Catholic Communications Office Maynooth: Brenda Drumm +353 (0) 87 310 4444 and Oisin Walsh +353 (0) 86 167 9504