On March 25, 2022, at 6:30 p.m., Pope Francis consecrated Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The same act, on the same day was celebrated at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Mackivci, near Chmel’nyc’kyj in Ukraine.
The Most Reverend Leon DUBRAWSKI, OFM, Bishop of Kamyanets-Podilskyi, Ukraine, presided over the prayer of consecration, the together with Friar Marian GOŁĄB, the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Anthony and Bl. James of Strepar in Poland (Cracow). The Bishop prayed in Ukrainian and the Minister Provincial in Polish.
Before the consecration, the faithful participated in the Way of the Cross and Mass. The entire celebration was broadcast on YouTube.
The Ukrainian Catholic Bishops and the Major Superiors of Men and Women Religious in Ukraine had asked the Pope to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary shortly after Russia began its armed invasion of Ukraine. In this way, the authors of the initiative wanted to fulfill the request of Our Lady of Fatima for the conversion of Russia and the restoration of peace.
The friary in Mackivci is one of five belonging to the Custody of the Holy Cross in Ukraine, which in turn is the “youngest daughter” of the Province of Cracow. The shrine church in Mackivci was established on September 8, 2021.
Friar Jan M. SZEWEK