Even if the Consecration was accepted by heaven, is it too much to ask The Pope and all the Bishops of the world to Consecrate Russia to Our Lady if it meant world peace? I do not think so.
Yes, Russian Eastern Rite Catholics are trying to build a shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Saint Petersburg to venerate this icon in Russia, despite all the difficulties that local civil and religious authorities create for the expansion of Catholics in that country. The Fatima Sanctuary in St. Petersburg is planned to make it possible for the Russians and the Russian Catholics at the first place to show their gratitude to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for all Her mercies and also to help that Heart’s triumph be fulfilled. The project was approved by Bishop Joseph Werth, ordinary for Eastern Rite Catholics in Russia, on consulting with the Holy See. https://fatimarus.com/en/
Padraig, you said that 'elephants would fly' before this would happen. I offered you a bet I wish you'd taken it.
Of course, I would imagine that the effect of the Consecration would not be dependent on the motives of Pope Francis, as long as it's done properly. Our Lady will make up for any character deficiencies.
The Elephant is still firmly on the ground. Don't count your elephants till they are cruising at 2,000 feet. I'll believe it when I see it. It's Pope Francis we're talking about here. He may well have been having a smoking a joint moment.
We'll see. I can't get too excited about it. I admit I was very surprised by the announcement though.
I emailed you, Padraig, before I knew that any announcement had been made saying that at 4:30 (UK time) this afternoon while repeating the Miraculous Medal prayer for the Ukraine and asking Our Lady that, if Francis wouldn't consecrate, perhaps Benedict might be nudged into it. At that, I looked towards the sun (slightly obscured by the sun) and it turned pink and started to gyrate fairly violently for about 5-10 minutes (a phenomenon I have never witnessed before despite three visits to Medjugorje). At about 5:30 (UK time) the Vatican made the announcement. I can only conclude that Our Lady is very pleased with this development if She was prepared to share her delight by this means with the likes of me.
I tried to answer you Steve but my answer and your email disappeared.The same thing happened last week when I answered someone. Gone, gone, gone.
I don't think so at all. One thing I've noticed about Pope Francis, as misguided as he is on a great number of things, he is sincere in prayer and asking for graces for his flock. I am very happy and not at all surprised by this announcement. I've been expecting it.
Our Lady did not ask for the Consecration of Russia and the Ukraine. She asked for the Consecration of Russia. This is not in accord with her wishes.
And I'm going to post this everywhere relevant today: Email your bishop and beg him to make the consecration in unison with Pope Francis. And if you feel up to it, email as many other bishops as you have time for, as well.
Why would we need to? If Pope Francis is obeying Our Lady's wishes he will be doing so himself? Or don't you trust him to do so? (you said and I quote,'he is sincere in prayer and asking for graces for his flock'.) I am also wondering how you know, ,'he is sincere in prayer,' what evidence have you of this?
I'm not really sure why a little extra encouragement from their individual flocks wouldn't be a good thing? I don't understand the cynicism.
If Russia is being named out loud in this consecration, I can't imagine Mary would reject it because Ukraine is named too! Why would she object to a few more of her children being consecrated?
I tend to agree with this. Calling them out by name should suffice. I wish it was with all Bishops but am still grateful.
