MARCH 25: SOLEMNITY OF THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD
In the context of the tragic events unfolding in Ukraine, the Holy Father, Pope Francis will lead an Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Friday, March 25 – the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord – at 5pm Rome time. The Holy Father is inviting each Bishop, together with his priests and people, to join in this act of consecration, if possible, at the same time – which would be 11am for us.
Fasting Traditionally, when a Solemnity falls on a Friday, we do not fast. However, the Holy Father is asking that we observe this day as a day of penance. Therefore, you may want to encourage your parishioners to still observe Lenten abstinence on that day, and perhaps fast as well—if not from food, then from something else—such as social media, or perform other acts of penance. Perhaps this would be a good day to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Almsgiving Please support Catholic Relief Service’s efforts in Ukraine. Donations to CRS may be made directly via their website (https://www.crs.org/ or https://www.crs.org/our-work-overseas/where-we-work/ukraine) or sent to the diocese, where they will be collected and forwarded along. Pastors may take up a special collection on March 25.