Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has announced that he will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of our Blessed Lady on Friday, 25 March, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord (‘Lady Day’). This will occur during a ‘Celebration of Penance’ over which he will preside at 5 pm (Rome time) in the Vatican Basilica of St Peter.

This act of consecration will be performed in communion with the local Churches throughout the world, and so at 4 pm (London time) that same day, Archbishop John will lead our archdiocese in prayer, and himself preside at a service of consecration followed by a ‘Rosary for Peace’ in Southwark’s Metropolitan Cathedral of St George.

This celebration will be live-streamed on the RC Southwark YouTube channel, although it is hoped that many will wish to join Archbishop John in the cathedral. Clergy, religious, and lay-faithful may also wish to might mark this moment of prayer in their conventual and parish churches.

Here in our parish, we shall have exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by the rosary and the prayer of consecration on Friday 25th March by 6 pm. There will also be the sacrament of reconciliation.