On March 25, Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Rome, and he has invited the world's bishops to join him.
The powerful act is tied the Marian apparitions in Fatima, Portugal in 1917, in which many Catholics believe the Virgin Mary appeared to three children, asking that the pope consecrate Russia to her immaculate heart.
Although popes have performed consecrations to Mary's Immaculate Heart in the past, Fatima expert Paul Senz says the context behind this consecration makes it very different.
PAUL SENZ
Author, “Fatima: 100 questions and answers about the Marian apparitions”
The novelty is because of what's going on in Ukraine, and also the fact that he's planning to consecrate Russia and Ukraine, not just specifically Russia, not broadly the whole world, but it's because of what's going on right now there's this kind of special plea to Our Blessed Mother for her entrustment, you know, wrap us up in that motherly embrace and pray for us to your Son.
Some have questioned the validity of the previous consecrations in fulfilling Our Lady's request, citing the pope's coordination with bishops and the language used in the act of consecration.
PAUL SENZ
Author, “Fatima: 100 questions and answers about the Marian apparitions”
Pius XII and John Paul II both consecrated the world, and they made mention of Russia but not by name, they kind of descriptively made reference to “nations which are in particular need of your care,” that kind of thing. She didn't say “by name” or anything like that, so you have to be careful not to be too scrupulous about it even beyond what Our Lady actually said to the Fatima visionary children.
This time around, Pope Francis has invited all the world's bishops to unite in the act of consecration, which will specifically cite Russia and Ukraine by name. Allowing Catholics worldwide to focus on fervently asking for Our Lady's intercession.
PAUL SENZ
Author, “Fatima: 100 questions and answers about the Marian apparitions”
With Pope Francis doing it this way and being very clear and explicit and public about it, that he's inviting all the bishops, Russia and Ukraine are mentioned by name, all these sort of things to really make clear to people, “look, this is what we're doing, we're asking Our Lady to care for and pray for these people and nations, and let's focus on that.”
The Pope is also sending Cardinal Konrad Krajewski to the Marian shrine at Fatima to perform the act of consecration, along with the bishops and Catholics worldwide.
JM
