Pope Francis has invited the bishops of the world, along with their priests, to join him in the consecration and entrustment of Russia and of Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary this Friday, 25th March.
The Pope will make the prayer in the afternoon – the Solemnity of the Annunciation – in St Peter’s Basilica, on the occasion of the Celebration of Penance. The same act, on the same day, will be undertaken by all the bishops of the world.
Philip Egan, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth will celebrate a local Mass which will take place on Friday 25th March at 12:15pm at St John’s Catholic Cathedral, Bishop Crispian Way, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3HG

Bishop Egan says:
“I invite all people to join me in person or online as I celebrate Mass and unite with Pope
Francis and other Catholic Bishops around the world to pray for peace between Russia and the Ukraine and an end to this terrible war.”

Bishop Philip had already invited local Church communities “to increase their moments of prayer and fasting during this time of Lent” and encouraged Catholics “to support those suffering and affected through almsgiving”.

In the well documented apparition of 13 July 1917 in Fatima, Our Lady asked for the
consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart. Pope Francis is honouring this request in union with the Bishops of the world.
Ends

Notes for Editors:
• Online link for live streaming – https://portsmouthcatholiccathedral.org.uk/livemass/

Background
The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth comprises 91 parishes, 76 schools across Hampshire, Dorset, Berkshire (except Slough), South Oxfordshire, the Isle of Wight, and the Channel Islands. Formed 19th May 1882 by the division of the Diocese of Southwark, the Diocese of Portsmouth has a presence in every community and can offer ministry and mission to all who come to us, with a total population of 3.2million people.