Below is a copy of the letter sent to clergy of the Diocese of Scranton from Bishop Bambera on Friday, March 18, 2022:

On Friday, March 25, 2022, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, our Holy Father Pope Francis will be consecrating Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at noon, Eastern Standard Time (5 pm in Rome). The consecration, presided over by the pope, will take place during a penitential celebration in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

The Holy Father is inviting Bishops throughout the world, together with their priests, to join in this act of consecration, at the same time.

In response to this request, I will be celebrating the 12:10 p.m. Mass on Friday, March 25, at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton and will offer the Prayer of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The faithful are invited and encouraged to attend in-person. The Mass and Prayer of Consecration will be livestream on the Diocese of Scranton website and social media platforms and will air on CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton.

I would also extend the invitation to all priests of the Diocese to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in their parish churches at either the same time, or during a Mass that might already be scheduled that day.

I strongly encourage all Catholics in the Diocese of Scranton – and all people of Good Will – to make a special effort to attend the Cathedral Mass, or a Daily Mass next Friday for this special intention or simply take time to pray for peace in Ukraine in concert with the Holy Father. As we continue to see the violence and loss of life taking place in Ukraine – one of the most important things we can continue to do is turn to the Lord in prayer. This will truly be a wonderful moment for the Universal Church to be united with Pope Francis’ consecration.

In the coming days, the Holy Father is expected to share the text of the Prayer of Consecration and I will pass that information along when it is received.

Our Lady, Queen of Peace, Pray for Us!

Faithfully yours in Christ,
†Joseph C. Bambera
Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
Bishop of Scranton