At the invitation of our Bishop, who will consecrate our Diocese this Friday, May 1st, we are encouraged to consecrate ourselves and our families to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, as we pray for her maternal protection during this pandemic. Please use the text provided below.
Fr. Mariusz
Prayer of Consecration
Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, in this time of pandemic, we turn our gaze to you, and in Christ consecrate to you myself and my family together with all the people of Canada.
At the Annunciation,
fear gave way to trust as you embraced the mysterious and loving plan of God, who through his providence, care and concern brought about newness of life in you and through you. Intercede, we pray, on our behalf as your children, Virgin most faithful. Grant us faith, hope and perseverance, as we strive to serve and bear witness to all persons, responding to the needs of those affected by this virus.
Standing at the foot of the Cross at Calvary,
you united yourself with the sufferings of Christ and so uniquely contributed to the mystery of our redemption. We beseech you as Health of the sick, draw to yourself in maternal compassion the brothers and sisters of your Son Jesus and all those who are grieved by this pandemic. Strengthen the dying and comfort those who weep so that all may experience the healing grace of Christ our Divine Physician.
At the Cenacle, after the Resurrection,
you accompanied the Apostles with prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In your maternal care as Consoler of the afflicted, accompany healthcare professionals, all who minister to the sick and those who seek a cure to end this pandemic, that the Holy Spirit may renew the face of the earth.
To all of us, dearest Mary, Mother of all the living,
be present and show forth your tenderness, as we raise our eyes to you who shines forth before the entire community as a merciful and compassionate companion on our journey. Time and time again, with burdens weighing heavily on their hearts and in their many necessities, the Christian faithful have sought refuge under your mantle of protection.
Come quickly to our aid at this time, Mother of Mercy, and deliver us from the dangers that surround us in our hour of need; watch over especially the elderly, the weak and the infirm, our children and the unity of our families, and all those who give of themselves selflessly in pastoral care to those in need until in your arms and in your gentle embrace we all find safety and solace.
R. Amen.
Intercessions
United as one Body in Christ, let us direct our prayer to our All-loving God, who wants us to honour Mary our Mother; with her we, too, praise the Lord’s mighty deeds as he continues to lift up the lowly, remembering his promise of mercy:
R. Look upon Mary and hear our prayer.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, who experienced the cares and hardships of earthly life, the weariness of daily toil, the trials of poverty and the sorrows of Calvary, come to assist the needs of the Church, the initial budding forth of your Kingdom on earth, and all of humankind. R.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, lend a gracious ear to the devout pleas of those who from across the world implore her goodness for health, safety and peace, especially for our parishes, our domestic churches and all our communities of faith. R.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, obtain the gifts of knowledge and wisdom for government officials and medical professionals that a cure for the virus may be found, and for all who care for the sick, the suffering and the dying, may she obtain from the Lord courage and benevolence. R.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, pray on our behalf and with us to the Lord of life and love, who rules the winds and storms, to calm the tempests in our minds and hearts and grant us consolation, security and peace in our day. R.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Concluding Prayer:
As we conclude this consecration, we ask the blessing of Almighty God:
Bestow the grace of your kindness
upon your supplicant people, O Lord,
that, formed by you, their Creator,
and restored by you, their sustainer,
through your constant action they may be saved.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.