Our Holy Father has asked all Catholics to join him in consecrating Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary today, Friday, March 25. in the midst of the violence and chaos in the Ukraine, we beseech Mary’s help and protection in our time of great need.

To consecrate means to set aside for a holy purpose. By consecrating Russia and Ukraine to our Blessed Mary, we are placing the needs and protection of Russia and Ukraine at the feet of Mary for her intercession and care. We have confidence she is effective given she is the Mother of our Lord, Mother of the Church, and perfect instrument of God for channeling God’s grace, she who bore the fullness of grace into the world, Jesus Christ. The immaculate heart of Mary was pierced once before with the passion and death of her son and so knows the anguish and sufferings of the people of Ukraine and Russia. She shares their sorrows and ours and with a mother’s care can lift them up tenderly to her Son for healing and renewal. Our turning to Mary also brings us closer to her Son and our Heavenly Father, with hope, gratitude, and praise.

The consecration with the Pope will start with a penitential service that starts 9:30am PST. The actual consecration prayer will occur around 10:30am PST. You can watch it live here.

The consecration prayer can be found here. Click here to download the prayer in booklet form.

At Newman we will be praying the act of consecration after the 12:10pm Mass and before Stations of the Cross. Handouts of the Act of Consecration can be found in our lobby. Join us as we join Catholics around the world to demonstrate the power of prayer and knees, over the power of missiles and arms.