Dear Fathers
Dear Deacons

The Bishops of England and Wales have agreed three moments of prayer for the people of Ukraine and for peace in our world.  The Holy Father will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary this coming Friday, 25th March – the Solemnity of the Annunciation – and I shall be making an Act of Consecration in the Cathedral on the evening of Friday 25th to unite our Archdiocese with the Holy Father’s Act.

You may also wish to join in this Act of Consecration together with your parishioners next Friday or to follow the Holy Father’s Act of Consecration which will be broadcast worldwide by Mondovisione at 4pm UK time.  (I will forward the Act of Consecration to you as soon as I receive it.)

Two other moments have been agreed as outlined in the attached document to take place during the Sacred Triduum and further information will become available in due course.   I am grateful that our Prayer for Ukraine will also support any practical assistance that we may be able to offer as outlined in yesterday’s email from the diocesan Communications team.

I hope that you have a blessed weekend ahead.  With my prayers and kindest wishes as Lent unfolds.

Yours devotedly in Christ
Bernard Longley

Archbishop of Birmingham