The Archdiocese of Manila announced on Saturday, March 19, 2022, the Solemnity of St. Joseph that they will join Pope Francis’ consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25.
“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,” Fr. Carmelo Arada, RCAM Vice-Chancellor said in a circular released to all clergy, religious men and women and lay collaborators in the archdiocese.
Father Arada added that ambassadors of the different nations and some government officials will also be present during the event.
Also, according to the circular, “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).
On March 15, the Vatican announced that the Holy Father Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord at the St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, at 5 p.m. local time.
The Philippine Bishops also announced that they will also hold a similar consecration on the same day.
The Blessed Mother on July 13, 1917, has asked for the consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart. She said, “If my requests are heeded, Russia will be converted, and there will be peace; if not, she will spread her errors throughout the world, causing wars and persecutions of the church. The good will be martyred; the Holy Father will have much to suffer; various nations will be annihilated.”
“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. (Jheng Prado.RCAM-AOC)
