Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In light of the devastating war being launched against Ukraine, it is worthwhile reflecting on the words of
the Preface of the Eucharistic Prayer for Reconciliation II, which reads in part, “For though the human
race is divided by dissension and discord, yet we know that by testing us you change our hearts to
prepare them for reconciliation. Even more, by your Spirit you move human hearts that enemies may
speak to each other again, adversaries join hands, and peoples seek to meet together.”
Our prayer to end dissension and discord is needed now, as we watch the fallout of the invasion of
Ukraine, and particularly on Thursday, 24 March, when the leaders of NATO will gather to discuss the
situation and seek resolution. Then, on Friday, 25 March, the solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord,
our Holy Father has asked us, along with all the diocesan Churches across the globe, to join him in
consecrating the countries of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Bishop Joseph and I
will broadcast our prayers for the consecration of Ukraine and Russia from our Cathedral on Friday.
I am asking all the faithful in the Diocese to join me in those two moments of prayer this coming week: a
prayer to the Holy Spirit on Thursday, for the guidance of the leaders of NATO, and on Friday, united with
the faithful across the globe, for the consecration to Mary. We need to pray for a change of hearts that will lead to reconciliation and so that “enemies may speak to each other again, adversaries join hands, and peoples seek to meet together.”
The faithful who are not able to join in the consecration on Friday may offer one decade of the Rosary to our Blessed Mother for this intention.
God of реасе and justice,
we pray for the реорlе of Ukraine today.
We pray for реaсе and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for аll those who fear for tomorrow,
that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or реасе,
for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions.
Above аll, we pray for аll your precious children, at-risk and in fear,
that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Реасе.
Amen.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Rev. Ronald P. Fabbro, CSB
Bishop of London