Pray for and Support Ukraine

"We ask the Holy Spirit to guide leaders to seek wisdom and justice so that all people can live in security and peace. We implore the prayers and intercession of our Blessed Mother seeking her protection over our world."

- Bishop Joe Vásquez

God of infinite mercy and goodness,
with grateful hearts we pray to you today for Peace.
You offer us your peace continually and constantly remind us
that peacemakers are blessed,
“for they shall be called children of God.”
May your voice resound in the hearts of all,
as you call us to follow the path of reconciliation and peace,
and to be merciful as you are merciful.
We pray to you for the Ukrainian people,
who are experiencing war and deaths.
Bless the leaders with wisdom,
to build together a world of justice,
and to break down walls of hostility.
May you continue to inspire all of us to oneness of heart and mind,
to respect the dignity of every nation,
which have their origin in the image and likeness of God
impressed upon every human being.
Grant eternal rest to the dead and quick recovery to the wounded,
we pray through Christ our Lord, Amen

There have been a number of consecrations of both Russia and the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary by different popes: Pope Pius XII, St. John Paul II and Pope Francis on Oct. 13, 2013.

In light of the recent tragic events that have caused great pain, hardship and sadness to the people of Ukraine, Pope Francis invited the bishops with their priests to join him in an Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, March 25.

In communion with our Holy Father, Bishop Vásquez called on his priests and the faithful in the Diocese of Austin to join him on March 25, 2022, at 11 a.m. in consecrating these two countries.

From the Vatican: Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine.