Amidst all the turmoil happening between Russia and the Ukraine, the Ukrainian bishops asked Pope Francis to consecrate both Russia and the Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. A few days ago, the pope announced that he would fulfill that request on March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation. The big question is whether or not this consecration would be in accordance with the requests of Our Lady of Fatima.
Many voice doubts. Some believe that the addition of the Ukraine is a violation of the request to consecrate Russia. I for one am ambivalent about that. Clearly some of the consecrations touted to be in accordance with her requests simply weren't. Pope John Paul II consecrated "the world" to her Immaculate Heart. While such a consecration may well have been beneficial on its own merits, Russia was not specifically named. It did NOT fulfill the Fatima requests, despite the rumored quote from Sr Lucia (if that really was Sr Lucia). I understand that Pope Pius XII consecrated the "Russian people" to the Immaculate Heart. Our Lady requested that the nation itself, not merely its citizens, be consecrated. As it stands now, the word "Russia" will be explicitly stated. Is it a violation of the Fatima request to add another name? I don't know.
Another concern is whether or not the bishops of the world will join the consecration, as requested by Our Lady. When we see a key ally of the pope, Cardinal Marx, celebrating "20 years of queer worship", we have reason to doubt it. But miracles do happen. I heard that the Latin American Bishops' Conference pledged to join the pope's consecration. Should we not pray that the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops do something useful (for a change) and follow suit?
A third objection arises from the question of who is actually the real pope - Francis or Benedict. Perhaps that's not a problem. Certainly they are both bishops. The pope - whoever that is - will have to consecrate in union with the all the bishops of the world. Francis and Benedict would have to consecrate together, right? Canon lawyers and theologians, am I oversimplifying things here?
Even if all these questions are answered, there still remains the real possibility that there could be some last-minute flub-up. Given the conduct of this papacy, it would be no great surprise.
Whatever the outcome, Our Lady of Fatima requested the daily Rosary and wearing of her scapular, as well as the First Saturday devotions. Let's adhere to them.
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