Denver Newsroom, Mar 17, 2022 / 21:08 pm
In a letter sent urgently on Mar. 17 to all U.S. bishops, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, revealed that Pope Francis intends to invite all Catholic bishops and priests around the world to join the Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The letter, sent by Reverend Michael J.K. Fuller, General Secretary of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and signed by Archbishop Pierre, reveals that "(t)he Holy Father intends to invite each Bishop, or equivalent in law, together with his priests, to join in this act of consecration, if possible, at an hour corresponding to 5:00 pm Rome time."
"In the coming days," adds the letter, “the Holy Father will address a letter of invitation to the Bishops, enclosing the text of the Prayer of Consecration in the various languages."
Pope Francis will lead an Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the Feast of the Annunciation, Mar. 25, at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. The Pontifical Almoner, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, will preside over the act of consecration at the same time in Fatima, Portugal.
The Vatican's press office confirmed on Friday that Pope Francis had invited "the bishops of the whole world and their priests" to join him in the act of consecration and in praying for peace.
The Apostolic Nuncio’s letter also revealed that a letter of invitation is being extended to the members of the diplomatic corps in Washington, D.C. to attend a Mass offered by Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception at 12 noon on Friday, Mar. 25.
The story was updated on March 18 at 7:52 a.m. MDT with the confirmation of the Vatican.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA