Tomorrow, Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. On Wednesday, Pope Francis wrote a letter to the Bishops of the world formally inviting them to join him in praying a “solemn act of Consecration of Humanity, and Russia, and Ukraine in particular to the Immaculate heart of Mary.
The text of the Act of Consecration can be found here.
In a special way, let us continue to pray for our brothers in religious life in Ukraine and those here in the US connected to the region. Catholic Relief Services and Caritas partners continue to accept donations to support Ukranians during this time.
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The CMSM team is seeking a part-time Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation coordinator. The job description can be found here. Please share with anyone who might be interested in joining the team.
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Pope Francis speaks about the war in Ukraine
Last week Pope Francis had a video call with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill to discuss the war in Ukraine. During the call, Pope Francis said, “The Church must not use the language of politics, but the language of Jesus.” Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill both agreed that “Churches are called to contribute to strengthening peace and justice.”
Pope Francis has spoken many times about the impact that war has on the people, especially children. The current war in Ukraine is very close to the Holy Father’s heart. He spoke about the impact of a nuclear war during his General Audience. In his encyclical letter, Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis writes that "we can no longer think of war as a solution, because its risks will probably always be greater than its supposed benefits" (258). Pope Francis concluded the General Audience by reciting this prayer for Ukraine.
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More News about the war in Ukraine
The Marians of the Immaculate Conception are providing aid and shelter to Ukrainians in Kharkiv in Ukraine tand refugees in Poland. Refugees stay with the Marians one night before fleeing to Moldova. Despite hardships they continue to face (shortages of necessary items, shelter repairs, etc.), the Marians continue to send aid to Kyiv and Kharkiv.
Cardinal Grech, the secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, has appealed for governments to protect women and children from Ukraine as they cross into the European Union.
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Prayers for Peace on the US-Mexico Border
On March 14, shootings, explosions, fires and roadblocks occurred in different parts of Nuevo Laredo in the Mexican border state of Tamaulipas (near the U.S. consulate). According to social media posts, gunshots were also heard in the neighboring US city of Laredo, Texas. On Twitter, the Diocese of Nuevo Laredo encouraged people to pray for peace in Nuevo Laredo and throughout Mexico.
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U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Administrative Committee Statement on Migrants and Refugees
On March 17, the USCCB Administrative Committee issued a statement on migrants and refugees. The statement reminds of the Church’s commitment to serving migrants and refugees in light of Matthew 25:35: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me.” Read the full statement here.
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2022 World Meeting of Families
The Tenth World Meeting of Families will be taking place both in Rome and around the world as a “multi-centre” and “widespread” event. The Vatican is encouraging gatherings and programming to take place in each of the dioceses around the world. To that end, the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life and the Diocese of Rome, who are organizing the event, have prepared a pastoral kit, available on their website.
We encourage you to be engaged with your local diocese in any events they might be planning, or consider a focus on pastoral activities involving families between June 22 and June 26 2022.
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Standing with Moms in Need
In anticipation of the U.S. Supreme Court issuing its ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and chairmen of USCCB committees serving women and families issued a statement encouraging organizations, groups, and the faithful to redouble their efforts to support mothers and children.
"...we proclaim a vision for our society that upholds the truth that every human life is sacred and inviolable—a society in which the legal protection of human life is accompanied by profound care for mothers and their children. We exhort our nation to prioritize the well-being of women, children, and families with both material resources and personal accompaniment so that no woman ever feels forced to choose between her future and the life of her child."
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Webinar: Faiths in Dialogue for Overcoming the Climate Crisis - The example of COP26
The International Union of Superiors General is hosting a webinar, Faiths in Dialogue for Overcoming the Climate Crisis - The example of COP26, on April 5, 2022.
More information and registration details are available here.
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Laudato Si' Action Platform |
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As we continue our journey through the season of Lent, we recognize that it is an excellent opportunity for us to incorporate the spirit of Laudato Si' into our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. We can pray for an ecological conversion, make changes in our daily lives through fasting from using earth-harming products, and support the causes that are committed to caring for our common home.
The Laudato Si' Action Platform team, composed of representatives from CMSM and other collaborative groups, has been working to move forward many initiatives. We invite you to participate in their work through the following updates:
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Please share your events and resources with the LSAP Team! The team welcomes the opportunity to feature your initiatives on the website and in blog posts, social media posts, and emails over the coming months. A form to share your events is here while a form to share your resources is here.
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A new Tool Kit has been prepared by the LSAP Team to assist in your reflection, planning, and deepening of your commitment through this seven year journey of transformation. You can find that kit by clicking here: Laudato Si' Action Platform Tool Kit.
Lent is a good time to recommit ourselves to taking steps towards not only making active change, but to also involve yourselves in the work that is happening at the regional, national, and international level. Please let us know if there are any other ways we can support you in this important work.
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