The Vatican announced today that on March 25, the feast of the Annunciation, Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in response to the request made by the Ukrainian Bishops on Ash Wednesday. On that day the World Apostolate of Fatima USA in union with our fellow national members of the WAF International are calling on our membership to renew the act of consecration personally.
The Pope will make the act of consecration in St. Peter’s Basilica during the Celebration of Penance at 5 PM (CET). The same act will be carried out in Fatima by His Eminence Cardinal Krajewsi, Apostolic Almoner, as envoy of the Holy Father.
Earlier this month, Ukraine’s Latin Rite Catholic bishops asked Pope Francis to consecrate Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Their letter was in response to the many requests for the consecration of the two countries, “in these hours of immeasurable pain and terrible ordeal for our people.”
On Sunday, March 13, Fatima shrines worldwide united in prayer for the conversion of Russia, per an appeal by Father Andrzej Draws, rector of the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Fatima in Krisovychi, western Ukraine. The National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima participated in this event.
The Blessed Mother requested in all six apparitions at Fatima in 1917 to pray the Rosary every day, especially to obtain peace in the world and the end of war. St. Jacinta implored everybody to ask the Immaculate Heart of Mary for peace because it had been entrusted to her. Our Lord had also made known to Sister Lucia that the conversion of Russia had been entrusted to the heavenly Mother.
The requests of Our Lady at Fatima to live our consecration to her, as soldiers in this war for the soul of the world are more urgent today than in 1917. We join the Holy Father and the bishops of the world in this bid to bring peace, but more importantly to turn hearts toward Him. The Rosary and the fulfillment of the First Saturday’s devotion are the keys to victory.
In the Hearts of Jesus and Mary
David M. Carollo
Executive Director
P.S. The World Apostolate of Fatima, USA and National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima is sending 9,000 blessed rosaries and 2,500 Fatima prayer cards to Ukraine through Goya Foods in Europe, which is sending food for humanitarian relief. If you would like to donate toward this effort, please use this LINK
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY
O Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to you all the people of our country and all the world. Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as you wish to accomplish your designs in the world.
O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.
We come with confidence to you, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire, which has inflamed your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home. Amen. — Venerable Pope Pius XII
