March 21, 2022
On the Solemnity of the Annunciation, March 25, Bishop Knestout will join the Holy Father, Pope Francis, as he consecratesRussia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The consecration by the Holy Father will take place at 5:00 p.m. (Rome time) during the Celebration of Penance in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Bishop Knestout will preside at the noon Mass (EST) at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, which serves as the Mother Church of the Diocese of Richmond.
Bishop Knestout’s noon Mass will be livestreamed on the diocesan YouTube channel for anyone unable to attend. The livestream link to Pope Francis’ consecration is on the Vatican’s YouTube channel.
The booklet for the Celebration of the Sacrament of Penance and Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary is available here.
Pope Francis is inviting all priests around the world to join him in the consecration. The faithful are invited and encouraged to participate whether by attending Mass or spending time in prayer.
Bishop Knestout is inviting all priests and parishes to participate and join him in person or through the livestream as a gesture of the universal Church. A Prayer of Consecration will be read after Bishop Knestout’s livestream Mass. All priests are asked to pray the Prayer of Consecration after the daily parish Mass on March 25.
The prayer of consecration is offered so that all may recite it throughout the day as Pope Francis has indicated “in fraternal union” and “to entrust the future of our human family to the Queen of Peace.”
Here are more ways the faithful can participate:
- You are invited to join Bishop Knestout at the cathedral or by livestream for the noon Mass or attend your local parish Mass.
- Recite the Act of Consecration when you are able throughout the day.
- For those parishes with church bells, you may hear the church bells ring at the noon hour or another appropriate time in the day to announce the consecration inviting people to pray in union with Pope Francis.
- Spend time in a holy hour with the Blessed Sacrament for an end to the conflict, healing of division and for peace.
- Offer a rosary or another form of prayer to unite with Pope Francis and those affected by the present crisis.
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