On March 25, Bishop Boyea joined Pope Francis, bishops and priests around the world on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord to consecrate Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. More than 500 people gathered for the consecration at noon at St. Mary Cathedral in Lansing to pray the sorrowful mysteries of the rosary before Bishop Boyea led the prayer of consecration and presided at the celebration of Mass.

With Pope Francis, Catholics around the world prayed:

“… Mother of God and our Mother, to your Immaculate Heart we solemnly entrust and consecrate ourselves, the Church and all humanity, especially Russia and Ukraine. Accept this act that we carry out with confidence and love.  Grant that war may end and peace spread throughout the world.  The ‘Fiat’ that arose from your heart opened the doors of history to the Prince of Peace.  We trust that, through your heart, peace will dawn once more.  To you we consecrate the future of the whole human family, the needs and expectations of every people, the anxieties and hopes of the world.

“Through your intercession, may God’s mercy be poured out on the earth and the gentle rhythm of peace return to mark our days.  Our Lady of the ‘Fiat,’ on whom the Holy Spirit descended, restore among us the harmony that comes from God.  May you, our ‘living fountain of hope,’ water the dryness of our hearts. In your womb Jesus took flesh; help us to foster the growth of communion. You once trod the streets of our world; lead us now on the paths of peace. Amen.”

The Mass concluded with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and an invitation to participate in adoration. Those wishing to make a personal consecration to Mary or to renew their consecrations were invited to gather in the chapel following Mass. Many more Catholics throughout the diocese gathered to join in the prayer of consecration in their home parishes.

If you would like to watch the Mass, visit the Diocese of Lansing YouTube channel.