The path of peace

For weeks, the nations of the world have watched with a growing sense of horror and helplessness the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine that has brought untold suffering to a sovereign nation. 

Despite bruising economic sanctions, the bombardment, death and destruction continue. The number of displaced persons within Ukraine and the millions who have fled as refugees continue to swell to a level unseen since the Second World War. 

While diplomacy, sanctions and humanitarian assistance are necessary responses to this crisis, as Christians we have spiritual resources that we must employ as well to advance the cause of peace. 

During this season of Lent, I urge that we all become more intentional about our prayer, fasting and works of charity so that we can enter into meaningful solidarity with our suffering brothers and sisters in Ukraine. 

We can offer our fasting for them. We can pray the Rosary for peace. We can contribute to funds that have been established to aid displaced persons and refugees inside of Ukraine or wherever they have been forced to flee for safety. We can pray for the conversion of Vladimir Putin and his advisers.

I am grateful to Pope Francis for declaring his intention to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord (March 25) and inviting the world’s bishops to join him in this solemn act of consecration. 

In 1917, Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children at Fatima, Portugal, and called for prayer and penance as the means to bring an end to World War I, and to shield the world from the effects of the godless revolution that was taking place in Russia that would bring about the reign of atheistic communism throughout much of the world.

She urged the children to pray the Rosary, pray for the conversion of Russia and called for the consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart. If her message went unheeded, she warned of an even more terrible war that would follow. This was the path of peace that Mary outlined at the beginning of the 20th century. 

As we enter the third decade of the 21st century, we must acknowledge that we could be on the unthinkable brink of yet another world war. Arms and sanctions are not God’s roadmap toward a lasting peace. Prayer, penance and works of charity are the arsenal that we must employ. 

On Friday, March 25, I will join Pope Francis and the world’s bishops in consecrating Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In communion with Pope Francis, I invite all our priests and the lay faithful to join me in praying for peace and consecrating these nations to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, our mother.