Prayer of Consecration
On Friday, May 1, 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, similar to what other Episcopal Conferences throughout the world have already done. Along with the Catholic Bishops, the Edmonton Catholic School Division, whose own patron saint is Mary, the Mother of God, joins 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 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."
The CCCB prepared the below prayer for use during the solemn act of entrustment.