Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The most recent weeks have been plagued with unrest in the world due to the conflict that is taking place between Russia and Ukraine. While many are asking the United States to take up arms to help resolve this conflict swiftly, I want to ask you to take up spiritual arms in solidarity with our Holy Father Pope Francis.  The most powerful weapon we have as Catholics is the power of prayer. I encourage the faithful of the Diocese of Wichita to pray the Rosary daily for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Through the prevailing intercession of our Blessed Mother, peace can be attained.

On Friday, March 25, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Annunciation. The day in which Our Lord Jesus Christ became incarnate in the Virgin Mary through the power of the Holy Spirit. Christ, the Son of God, became man so that man might be restored to the perfect harmony experienced in the Garden. In camaraderie with our Holy Father Pope Francis, I will celebrate the Noon Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on March 25. During the celebration of the Mass, I will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This will be an opportunity for the faithful of the Diocese of Wichita to offer intercession for the peace of Christ to reign in Russia and Ukraine.

The obligation to abstain from meat is not observed on Solemnities even on a Friday in the Lenten Season. I encourage the people of the Diocese of Wichita to offer a form of fasting on March 25.  Such forms of fasting could be done by not eating in between meals, eating smaller meals, or by keeping the traditional abstinence on Friday of Lent. May our method of fasting and our offering of prayers for peace in Russia and Ukraine be a pleasing sacrifice to our Lord on the Solemnity of his Incarnation.

May the Peace of Christ be with all of you!

Most Reverend Carl A. Kemme, D.D.

Bishop of Wichita