Diocese to join in consecration of Russia and Ukraine

Ceremonies are to take place at churches around Westmeath this Friday in response to a plea for prayer by Pope Francis, who has chosen to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The consecration is to take place at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome at 5pm. The same act, on the same day, will be performed in Fatima by Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, papal almoner.

The act of consecration is being undertaken to comply with the request made by The Blessed Virgin at Fatima on July 13, 1917.

Asking for the consecration of Russia to Her Immaculate Heart, Our Lady warned that if this were not done, Russia would spread “its errors throughout the world, promoting wars and persecution of the Church”.

“The good,” she added, “will be martyred; the Holy Father will have much to suffer, various nations will be destroyed.”

“Pope Francis has asked all the bishops throughout the world to join him, and we have been asked to have – in each church – the Act of Consecration,” Fr Philip Gaffney, Adm, Mullingar parish, stated this week.

“We will do it in the context of a holy hour from 6pm to 7pm, and we will finish with benediction.”

It is an historic occasion, Fr Gaffney added, and it represented, he said, an effort by the church to highlight the concerns people have over the war between Russia and Ukraine.

“What we have been doing is praying, and asking for the intercession of our Blessed Mother to bring peace to that region and praying over the concern we have over the suffering of innocent people in Ukraine and it is an opportunity for us all to join together in prayer for peace in that region,” said Fr Gaffney.

Among other churches in Westmeath, ceremonies are: 10am in Rochfortbridge; 6pm in Kilbeggan Church; 6pm in Castlepollard; 6pm in Tyrrellspass; 7.30pm in Finea; 8pm in Loughnavalley; 8.30pm in Ballymore Church for Drumraney and Ballymore.