April 3, 2022 – Papal Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
In light of Pope Francis’ recent consecration of Russia and Ukraine to Christ through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I thought it worth sharing the fascinating history of such Papal Consecrations. I’ve mentioned before how in 1917 Blessed Mother Mary appeared in Fatima, Portugal, and warned about Russia “spreading its errors throughout the whole world, ” and so asked to have the Pope, in union with all the Bishops of the world, consecrate Russia to her Immaculate Heart. Over the last century, different Popes have done this in various ways. It is fascinating to see how world events unfold following each of these consecrations, as it does seem to show that perhaps the prayerful intercession of Our Blessed Mother Mary made a difference!
1) October 31, 1942 – Pope Pius XII consecrates THE WORLD to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
- Nov. 11, 1942 – The Victory of the Allied Forces in the Battle of El Alamein. “This British victory was the beginning of the end of the Western Desert Campaign, eliminating the Axis threat to Egypt, the Suez Canal and the Middle Eastern and Persian oil fields. The battle revived the morale of the Allies, being the first big success against the Axis since Operation Crusader in late 1941.” In the words of Winston Churchill: “…one can almost say, before El Alamein, we did not have a single victory, and after not a single defeat”
2) Dec. 8, 1942 – Pope Pius XII REPEATS the consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
- Feb. 2, 1943 – The end of the Battle of Stalingrad. Considered universally by historians to be one of the major turning points in the war in favor of Allied forces. It’s also worth noting that Feb. 2 is a Marian Feast Day, the Feast of the Presentation.
- Spring 1943 – Jesus appears to Sr. Lucia expressing Joy at Pope Pius XII’s Consecration. However, the consecration is INCOMPLETE as it must be done ‘with Bishops of the world!”
(So Russia will not yet convert until consecration is “completed”).
- Sept. 2, 1945 – World War II ends
3) July 7, 1952: Pius XII consecrates THE RUSSIAN PEOPLE to the Immaculate Heart,
(though again, without the participation of the bishops of the world.)
- July 27, 1953: Korean War ends with an armistice
4) June 7, 1981 – Pope John Paul II entrusted the WORLD to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
(though again, without the participation of the bishops of the world.)
5) May 13, 1982 – Pope John Paul II goes on Pilgrimage to Fatima to repeat the “act of entrustment”
- Sept. 26, 1983 – Soviet Union’s computer defense systems gives faulty alarm that the USA had launched missiles at the, (even though the USA hadn’t). On a nearly MIRACULOUS WHIM, military leader Petrov decides that it is faulty and DOES NOT strike back. This shows just how close we were to nuclear war! And it seems as if prevented only by a miraculous intervention.
6) March 25th, 1984 – Pope John Paul II in union with the bishops of the world, consecrates the world to the Immaculate Heart (With the consecration of RUSSIA strongly implied…)
- 1984-1985 – Gorbachev becomes the leader of the Soviet Union
- 1989 – The Fall of the Berlin Wall
- 1991 – USSR is dissolved
As Our Blessed Mother Mary stated at Fatima: “…Finally, my Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me, and she shall be converted, and a period of peace will be granted to the world…”
May we continue to ask for Our Lady Queen of Peace to pray for us, for our world, and especially for peace in Russia and Ukraine. Amen.
Peace,
-Fr. Kevin
PS: On April 7, 8, and 9 I have been asked to give three “Lenten Retreat Talks” to the students at Loras College. Please pray for me and pray for the students who will be hearing these talks!
