By Nirmala Carvalho
Mumbai, March 26, 2022: Catholics in the archdiocese of Bombay on March 25 joined Pope Francis to consecrate to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Russia and Ukraine, now engaged in a fierce war.
This was in response to Pope Francis’ call to Catholics to join him in consecrating the warring nations to Mother Mary on March 25 when Catholics across the globe celebrate the feast of Annunciation that commemorates the visit of Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, during which he informs her that she would be the mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the archbishop of Bombay, had invited all parishes in the archdiocese to conduct a prayer service in their churches at a time convenient to them.
In his circular to the priests of the archdiocese, Cardinal Gracias bemoaned that a fierce war is going on in Ukraine bringing great suffering and distress to its people. The war has led to the loss of life and colossal damage to basic infrastructure and essential services, noted the prelate who is among the top advisers of Pope Francis.
The cardinal recalled the Pope’s repeated efforts for peace with calls to prayer, sending of envoys to different places, and appeals to cease all violence.
The cardinal urged his people to join the Pope’s prayer for peace to a world causes more violence. This war threatens to engulf other countries in a spiral of violence, he added.
The cardinal conducted a half-hour Adoration at Holy Name Cathedral that was live-streamed on the archdiocesan YouTube channel.
In Mount Mary’s Basilica in Bandra, a Mumbai suburb, Bishop John Rodrigues, its rector, led the consecration.
The consecration at the basilica came at the conclusion of a prayer service that began at 9:30 pm, corresponding with 5 pm in Rome when Pope Francis prayed the consecration at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
Around 80 religious and lay faithful participated in the prayer service that began with a penitential rite.
Observing the conflicts in Ukraine and other parts of the world, Bishop John stressed the need for hope. “Let our thoughts be honorable and virtuous, let us turn our thoughts from despair to hope,” he added.
Father Michael Goveas, basilica vice rector, led the congregation in praying the Sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary. At the conclusion of the litany of saints, Bishop John knelt down facing the altar, and led the congregation in the Act of Consecration.
Bishop John and a few Catholics then walked in procession with a lighted candle to the Oratory of Our Lady of Fatima, which is across the basilica, where they lit small candles that formed the letters of “peace.” They also prayed to Mary Queen of Peace.