By Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops communications office

[Thursday, March 17 2022 – CCCB] – Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary during the Celebration of Penance that he will preside over at 5:00 pm (Rome time) Friday, March 25, 2022, in St Peter’s Basilica.

Pope Francis wishes to place the people of Ukraine and Russia under the protection of Mary, the Mother of God, with a special liturgical act. To this end, he will consecrate the two countries to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at a penitential celebration.

This act has been well received by the Catholic Bishops in Ukraine, as well as by the Russian Bishops.

Diocese of Saskatoon response:

In the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, Bishop Mark Hagemoen will join in prayers of consecration at the 12:15 p.m. lunch hour Mass on Friday, March 25 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon.

Later that evening, Mary’s accompaniment of Jesus on the way to the cross will be the focus of prayers during Stations of the Cross, 7 p.m. March 25, also at the Cathedral of the Holy Family.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen: “Diocese to unite in prayer for Peace and Entrustment to the Heart of Mary” – LETTER

Novena:

In response to Pope Francis’ decision to consecrate both Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Ukrainian Catholic leaders will prepare beforehand with a novena that will start on 17 March 2022. They expressed the hope that all Catholic faithful from around the world will join them.

In view of this appeal, the Catholic Bishops of Canada, united with the Holy Father, invite the faithful and all people of good will to participate in the novena March 17 – March 25 with the following prayer:

God of реасе and justice,
we pray for the реорlе of Ukraine today.
We pray for реaсе and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for аll those who fear for tomorrow,
that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or реасе,
for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions.
Above аll, we pray for аll your precious children, at-risk and in fear,
that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Реасе.
Amen.

CCCB News Release: Link to PDF

CCCB Resource – Liturgy of the Word: For Peace in Ukraine – PDF

Related article: Pope Francis to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to Mary on March 25

Related article: Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon responds to crisis in Ukraine

-30-