Novena for Ukraine and consecration of Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Pope Francis wishes to place the people of Ukraine and Russia under the protection of Mary, the Mother of God, with a special liturgical act. He therefore will consecrate the two countries to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at a penitential celebration on March 25 at 5pm (Rome time) in St Peter's Basilica.

Bishop Riesbeck will be joining with Pope Francis in consecrating Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at the 5:30 pm Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Friday, March 25, 2022. As we pray for an end to the conflict in Ukraine, the faithful are invited to join in a novena that begins today, March 17, 2022. 

Bishop Riesbeck is encouraging all the faithful of the Diocese of Saint John to recite the rosary daily and to conclude with the following prayers:

Ukraine is a land of martyrs and saints. As the world turns to war and destruction, we call on these holy men and women to stand with the Prince of Peace and pray for us.

Blessed Vasil Velischkovsky and the other 27 ‘new martyrs of Ukraine,’ pray for us.
St. Volodymyr, pray for us.
St. Olga, pray for us.
St. Anthony of the Caves, pray for us.
St. Josaphat, pray for us.
Sts. Cyril and Methodius, pray for us.

Our Lady, venerated as Mother of God at Zarvanytsia, the “Place of Disruption,” pray for us. Rise up, O Lord! Do not let mortals prevail; let the nations be judged before you. Put them in fear, O Lord; let the nations know that they are only human. (Psalm 9:19-20)

We fly to Your patronage, O Virgin Mother of God. Despise not our prayers in our needs, but deliver us from all dangers, since you alone are pure and blessed.

O most glorious Ever-Virgin Mary, the Mother of Christ our God, accept our prayers and present them to Your Son and our God, that for the sake of You, He enlighten and save our souls.

Let us pray:

God of peace and justice,
we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow,
that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace,
for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at-risk and in fear,
that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

Amen

Catholic Bishops of Canada invite all Canadian faithful to join Pope Francis and to pray for peace

Les évêques du Canada invitent tous les fidèles à se joindre au pape François et à prier pour la paix