Ambassadors to join mass for Ukraine

MANILA, Philippines — Ambassadors of different countries and government officials will attend a mass at the Manila Cathedral for the consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25.

The 6 p.m. mass will be held a month after Russia started its invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24.

According to the United Nations, at least 816 Ukrainian civilians have died, 6.5 million people have been displaced and infrastructure has been damaged massively because of the ongoing war.

“Pope Francis is asking all local churches to join him in the consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary,” Archdiocese of Manila vice chancellor Fr. Carmelo Arada Jr. said.

“We will be joined by the ambassadors of the different nations and some government officials,” he added.

It is preferred that the mass be held at the same time or as close as possible to the time when the pope makes the act of consecration, which will be at around 12 midnight Philippine time.

“We leave it to the discretion of the parish priests to decide on the details of the celebration in their communities. A circular will be issued as soon as the prayer is available,” Arada said.

The parish priests should also encourage the Catholic faithful to participate in the mass, he added.