The Vatican Press office informed that Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, on March 25, in St. Peter’s Basilica, during the Celebration of Penance that he will preside over at 5:00 pm (Rome time). On the same day, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, will carry out a similar act of consecration at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal, as envoy of the Holy Father.
March 25 is a special date. Apart from being the feast of the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, it was on this day, 38 years ago, that in 1984, Saint Pope John Paul II consecrated the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Earlier this month, Ukraine’s Latin Rite Catholic bishops and also the World Apostolate of Fatima International had petitioned Pope Francis to consecrate Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, precisely at the time when a terrible war is still going on in Europe, caused by the invasion and attack of the Russian army to Ukraine.
The Message of Fatima is a call for peace! When Our Lady appeared, in 1917, she told the three shepherd children: "God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart. If what I say to you is done, many souls will be saved, and there will be peace”. Our Lady had also asked for the consecration of Russia to Her Immaculate Heart, stating that if this request were not granted, Russia would spread "its errors throughout the world, causing wars and persecutions of the Church.” “The good," she added, "will be martyred; the Holy Father will have much to suffer, various nations will be destroyed."
As already indicated in the letter from the WAF International President, we are all invited to renew the 1984 Consecration of the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on this March 25. Now, we shall do it also in union with the Holy Father and many Bishops around the world, who will consecrate Russia and Ukraine.
The true devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, through ongoing conversion, prayer, penance and reparation, entrusting oneself to God and Mary, will help saving the world and bring about peace!
