Hey there,
It’s hard to miss news coverage about the war going on in Ukraine. No doubt many prayer requests are being offered!
Pope Francis decided it’s time to call on the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. So this Friday, March 25th the Pope will Consecrate Ukraine, Russia, and the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
This may sound familiar. In 1917 Our Lady appeared to the three children in Fatima and asked for prayers for Russia’s conversion through its “consecration” in the name of her Immaculate Heart, promising peace.
Since then, Popes have consecrated the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary several times. There is, however, a little debate as to whether any one of them properly fulfilled the Fatima request regarding Russia (more about this later).
But regardless, it looks like this Friday, March 25th, on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, Pope Francis will fulfill Mary’s Fatima consecration request … and your Diocese may be joining Pope Francis in the Consecration too.
This week’s issue of Genuflect is all about the Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary: its history, Pope Francis’ plans, participating Bishops in the US and around the world, the consecration prayer to be used on Friday, the questions surrounding past Fatima consecrations, why we should consecrate ourselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and how to go about doing it.
Let’s all keep sending up our prayers for Ukraine, Russia and world peace … and join the Pope and Bishops around the world in consecrating Ukraine, Russia, and all of humanity to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Friday.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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The History of Marian Consecration
Calling on Mary for intercession goes back long before the Fatima request in 1917 … to the 6th century. Here’s an overview of the early prayers to Mary, along with the meaning of the Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the history of past consecrations.
The History of Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary | The Real Presence
Pope Francis to Consecrate Ukraine And Russia
As I said in the opening letter, Pope Francis will consecrate Ukraine, Russia, and all humanity to the Immaculate Heart of Mary this Friday, March 25th in St. Peter’s Basilica. Here are all the details.
Pope to Consecrate Russia And Ukraine to Immaculate Heart of Mary| Vatican News
Pope Francis’ Consecration Prayer
Here is a sneak peek at the prayer Pope Francis will use for Friday’s consecration.
BREAKING: Vatican Releases Text For March 25 Consecration Prayer For Ukraine, Russia | Catholic News Agency
Participating Bishops
As of this writing there are more than 90 US Bishops who will be participating in the Consecration of Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Check this list to see if your Diocese is included.
List of All The Bishops Participating in Francis’ Consecration of Russia | LifeSite News
Has Fatima’s Consecration Been Fulfilled?
Our Lady’s request at Fatima was specifically for a consecration prayer for Russia. Though numerous Pope’s have performed consecrations, some question whether they properly fulfilled the request. Here’s why.
Papal Consecration of Russia, Ukraine Has History of Controversy Behind it | Crux
Why Consecrate Yourself?
It’s not just countries that can be consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. We also can consecrate ourselves. Here’s why we should.
Why Should We Consecrate Ourselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary?| National Catholic Register | National Catholic Register
How to Consecrate Yourself
If you’re interested in consecrating yourself to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sarah Zentner provides a helpful guide on how to get started and resources to use.
Marian Consecration: The What, Why And How | Busted Halo
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