On March 25, the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Mother, Holy Father Pope Francis will be consecrating Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at noon, Eastern Standard Time. The consecration will take place during a penitential celebration in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome presided over by the pope.
I would ask Catholics of the Diocese of Cleveland and all people of goodwill to take a moment of prayer at that time to pray for peace in Ukraine in concert with the Holy Father and the universal Church. We pray for an immediate end to the violence in Ukraine, for all who have been forced to flee their homes, for the children, the elderly, those who stayed behind to defend their country, for those who lost their lives and for all who love them.
I would also invite the faithful of the Diocese of Cleveland to take part in a special novena and pray for peace in Ukraine. Nine Nights of Night Prayer begins again on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, and continues for nine consecutive nights at nine parishes throughout the diocese. Click HERE for more details on locations and times.
As Catholics, we believe prayer works, and that through the offering of a tidal wave of prayer that storms the heavens, God hears and answers our needs, and the needs of those who are oppressed.