Consecration of Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary together with Pope Francis

Dear Catholics in Japan,

It is a month since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Unfortunately, war continues and the news each day shows that peace remains far off.

Pope Francis, concerned about this life-destroying crisis, is making various efforts to find peace. Seeking the intercession of the Blessed Mother, the pope will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at St. Peter’s Basilica on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, Friday, March 25, at 17:00 Rome time. (Saturday at 1:00, Japan time.)

March 25 is also the day that Pope John Paul II consecrated Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1984.

Pope Francis invites bishops around the world and through them all believers to pray in union with this consecration, if possible, at the same time.

The prayer prepared for the day has not yet arrived from the Holy See, but as soon as it arrives, I hope to be able to provide a translation in time and make it available on the CBCJ website, etc. Even if the official prayer does not arrive in time, please join your heart with the pope’s intention and pray the rosary or other prayers for peace. Since the pope’s consecration will take place in the middle of the night in Japan, it is, of course, fine to pray the next morning, following any instructions from your diocesan bishop.

Let us unite our hearts with Pope Francis and ask that the peace of God be brought to this earth through the intercession of Our Lady, especially in Ukraine, and that the gift of life will be respected and protected.