19 March 2022

TO: ALL THE CLERGY, RELIGIOUS MEN AND WOMEN, LAY COLLABORATORS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA

RE: CONSECRATION OF RUSSIA AND UKRAINE TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

Dear Monsignori, Fathers, Brothers and Sisters:

Greetings of peace in the Lord!

The Holy Father, Pope Francis, expressed his desire that all local Churches join him in the Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. We will gather on Friday, March 25, 6:00 PM at the Manila Cathedral as a presbyterium with the religious and the lay people. The Holy Father requests that all priests participate and concelebrate with the bishop. We will be joined by the ambassadors of the different nations and some government officials.

Parishes in the Archdiocese of Manila are encouraged to organize a Eucharistic Celebration or a Celebration of the Word wherein the Consecration to the Immaculate Heart will be prayed preferably at the same time or as close as possible to the time when the Holy Father will make the act of consecration which will be at around 12 midnight Philippine time (March 25, 5:00 PM Rome time). We leave it to the discretion of the Parish Priests to decide on the details of the celebration in their communities. A circular will be issued as soon as the prayer is available.

“In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph!” These were the words of Our Lady to the shepherd children of Fatima more than a hundred years ago. Let us encourage our parishioners to join us in offering our prayers and sacrifices as an act of solidarity to our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.

Thank you very much. Let us unite ourselves in prayer.

Sincerely in the Lord Jesus,

(signed)
CARMELO P. ARADA, JR.
Vice-Chancellor