By Paschal Norbert
PRETORIA, MARCH 25, 2022 (CISA)- “The prayer for the Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate of Heart of Mary will basically take place throughout the region of SACBC in different prayer settings,” read a news statement posted on the SACBC website on March 25.
The statement revealed that some of the bishops in the region had indicated how the prayers will take place in their dioceses.
“In the Diocese of Aliwal Bishop Joseph Kizito said the consecration will take place in the context of the healing service which takes place throughout the day on Friday with confessions and perpetual adoration. Archbishop Stephen Brislin will be joining the Holy Father Pope Francis in consecrating Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, during Mass on Friday 25th March, at the Cathedral at 13.10,” reads in part the statement.
“The clergy in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg are encouraged to offer prayer in the form of Holy Hour and Adoration, praying of the Rosary, and, or the Stations of the Cross. Holy Mass this Friday should be offered for the intentions of the Holy Father and the prayer of consecration ought to be recited. Bishop Jan De Groef of the Diocese of Bethlehem will be in the Cathedral for the consecration prayer together with the faithful during the stations of the cross.”
The solidarity in prayers is in response to Pope Francis’s invitation to bishops and the rest of the world to join him On Friday, March 25, 2022, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, when he will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, praying especially for peace and an end to the war in St. Peter’s Basilica.
The pontiff will recite a prayer from the Vatican text of the Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which was sent to bishops throughout the world.
“Therefore, Mother of God and our mother, to your Immaculate Heart we solemnly entrust and consecrate ourselves, the church and all humanity, especially Russia and Ukraine. Accept this act that we carry out with confidence and love. Grant that war may end and peace spread throughout the world. The “fiat” that arose from your heart opened the doors of history to the Prince of Peace. We trust that, through your heart, peace will dawn once more. To you we consecrate the future of the whole human family, the needs and expectations of every people, the anxieties and hopes of the world,” reads the prayer in part.
