The Archdiocese of Manila will join Pope Francis on Friday, March 25, as it consecrates to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Russia and Ukraine.
The event will be held at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila at 6 p.m. The consecration coincides with the Solemnity of the Annunciation.
In a circular, Fr. Carmelo Arada, RCAM vice chancellor said that ambassadors of the different nations and some government officials will also attend the event.
"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 p.m. Rome time),” he added.
On March 15, the Vatican announced that the His Holiness 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 Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines will also hold a similar consecration on the same day.
The Blessed Mother on July 13, 1917, 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 of Fatima to the three shepherd children during her apparition in Fatima, Portugal more than a hundred years ago.