Pope Francis will place the people of Ukraine and Russia under the protection of Mary, Mother of God.

His Holiness will consecrate Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary during the Celebration of Penance that he will preside over in Rome at St Peter’s Basilica on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, March 25. On the same day, the Vatican said, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, will carry out a similar consecration at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal.

The Ukrainian Catholic leaders have prepared a Novena and invited all Catholic faithful from around the world to join them in prayer over the next nine days.

In view of this appeal for prayers, Archbishop Smith, united with the Holy Father and the Catholic Bishops of Canada, invites the faithful of the Archdiocese of Edmonton and all people of goodwill to participate in the Novena by offering the following prayer:

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.