SLU Community Gathers for Mass, Consecration of Ukraine and Russia

03/25/2022

Saint Louis University held a Mass and prayed the rosary Friday, March, 25, as Pope Francis consecrated Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Students, faculty and staff gathered Friday afternoon at SLU’s Marian grotto on lawn chairs and blankets for the service.  

Ukraine’s bishops asked Pope Francis earlier this month to consecrate Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In 1984, on March 25, Pope John Paul II consecrated Russia and the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. 

Pope Francis, in his Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, prayed for a weary and distraught humanity. 

“The people of Ukraine and Russia, who venerate you with great love, now turn to you, even as your heart beats with compassion for them and for all those peoples decimated by war, hunger, injustice and poverty.

Therefore, Mother of God and our Mother, to your Immaculate Heart we solemnly entrust and consecrate ourselves, the Church and all humanity, especially Russia and Ukraine. Accept this act that we carry out with confidence and love. Grant that war may end and peace spread throughout the world.”

The Mass was sponsored by the Office of Mission and Identity, the Department of Campus Ministry and the Catholic Studies Program. 

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Saint Louis University’s Office of Mission and Identity ensures that the principles and traditions of Catholic, Jesuit higher education, and the mission and core values of SLU are integrated into operations, structures, programs and practices, and the formation of its students, faculty, staff, administration and board members.