Accepting the Holy Father’s invitation to join him in the worldwide consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the friars of the Province of St. Bonaventure in the USA celebrated the Solemnity of the Annunciation, March 25, 2022, in the presence of the International Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima. The event took place at the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe at Marytown, in Libertyville, Illinois, USA.

The Rector and Guardian of Marytown, Friar Benedict LA VOLPE, presided over the midday Mass which was attended by more than 400 faithful. Friar Benedict used the same consecration formula that Pope Francis used at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The friars continue to pray for peace and recall this particular intention every Wednesday evening, as part of their weekly novena honoring St Maximilian Kolbe.

Friar Jude WINKLER