Catholic Bishops Consecrate Canada to Mary, Mother of the Church on May 1, 2020

On Friday 1 May 2020, the Catholic Bishops of Canada will consecrate their individual dioceses or eparchies to Mary, Mother of the Church, seeking her protection during the Coronavirus pandemic. Along with the Bishops, pastors, families, groups, individuals and other faith communities may likewise choose to join the consecration as part of the global effort to unite in faith and prayer in this most difficult time.

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), in fraternal communion with the leadership of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has agreed that this Marian consecration be held on the same day in both countries, making this a most meaningful and powerful intercession throughout North America to the Blessed Mother.

The first day of May holds particular significance as it marks the beginning of an entire month to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary. “May is the month dedicated in a special way to the Mother of Christ. We believe that she is, in a spiritual but real sense, our mother too,” said the Most Reverend Richard Gagnon, Archbishop of Winnipeg and CCCB President. “We turn to her and ask for the help of her powerful and maternal prayers to God for us. To consecrate ourselves to Mary means to be united with her in entrusting our lives entirely to God.”

Cardinal Collins will offer the Prayer of Consecration at the end of the 7:30 a.m. Mass this Friday, before the final blessing. This will be available via livestream at: www.stmichaelscathedral.com/live.

All are welcome to join His Eminence to pray the Consecration to Mary at that time, or alternatively, the prayer may be offered at any other time of the day on Friday, May 1. The prayer will also be posted online at: www.archtoronto.org/covid19 in the “Spiritual Resources” section.