On Sunday, May 1, after leading the recitation of the Regina Coeli prayer, Pope Francis recalled the suffering people of Ukraine, inviting all the faithful, in this month dedicated to the Mother of God, to pray every day a Rosary for peace.
A message from Bishop Walkowiak on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine:
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is the first major land war in Europe in decades. Russian forces are pouring into Ukraine. Russian President Putin is warning Western democracies not to interfere. Russian and Ukrainian officials have agreed to sit down and talk to each other in Belarus, but who knows what will come of that?
So we must pray for peace. Pray the rosary, go to Mass, fast, pray the Divine Mercy chaplet, or Pope Francis’ Prayer for Peace.”
Diocese to join Pope Francis March 25 in consecrating Russia, Ukraine to Mary
Ways to Support the People of Ukraine
In addition to praying, you can offer help by donating to the following agencies providing humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine:
- Catholic Relief Services
- Justice for Immigrants
- Archeparchy of Philadelphia
You may also mail a check to:
Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia
810 North Franklin Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
Please write: “Humanitarian Aid Fund for Ukraine” on the memo line
- The Knights of Columbus launched the Ukraine Solidarity Fund for humanitarian needs in Ukraine and through refugee sites in Poland.
- Catholic Near East Welfare Association
- Aid to the Church in Need
- Additional Catholic agencies working to address the humanitarian crisis in and around Ukraine
News & Updates
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Administrative Committee releases statement on Ukraine (March 16, 2022)
Pope Francis to consecrate Ukraine and Russia to Immaculate Heart of Mary (National Catholic Register, March 15, 2022)
The Holy See press office said on March 15: “On Friday, March 25, during the Celebration of Penance at which he will preside at 5 p.m. in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”
“The same act, on the same day, will be carried out in Fatima by His Eminence Cardinal Krajewski, Apostolic Almoner, as envoy of the Holy Father.”
Ukraine’s Latin Rite Catholic bishops asked Pope Francis earlier this month to consecrate Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. (Read more)
Day of fasting and prayer on Ash Wednesday
During the General Audience on Wednesday, Feb. 23, Pope Francis made a heartfelt appeal for peace in Ukraine, saying that the threat of war had caused “great pain in my heart.” Speaking at the end of the Audience, the pope invited everyone to make March 2, Ash Wednesday, a Day of Fasting for Peace.
Read more from Vatican News
