DILI, 25 march 2022 (TATOLI) – The Archdiocese of Dili together with Catholic Christians in Timor-Leste (TL) this morning held a joint prayer as an act of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for the peace of Ukraine and Russia, which have been at war since early 2022.
Nearly a month has passed since the start of the war in Ukraine, which caused ever more terrible suffering for the tormented population, even threatening world peace.
In these dark times, the Church is urgently called upon to mediate with the Prince of Peace and be close to those who bear the consequences of the conflict themselves.
The Archdiocese of Dili conducted this joint prayer at the request of Pope Francis at the Great Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome who asked every Christian to pray, fast and do good deeds on march 25.
“As I said sunday at the end of the Angelus prayer, on march 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, I intend to carry out the Sanctifying Act of mankind, especially Russia and Ukraine, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Since it is good to prepare to invoke renewed peace with God’s forgiveness, this Act will take place in the context of the Feast of Penance, which will take place in St. Peter’s Basilica at 17:00 Rome time. The Deed of Ordination is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.,” the letter read.
The joint prayer was held this morning at the Nossa Senhora Imaculada da Conceição Cathedral Church, led directly by the Archbishop, Dom Virgílio do Carmo da Silva and read by the Representative of the Holy See in Timor-Leste, Monsignor Marco Sprizzi.
Dom Virgílio do Carmo da Silva said that this is a sign of the universal Church, which in this dramatic moment brings to God, through His Mother and all people, the cries of pain of those who suffer and pleads for an end to violence, and entrusts the future of humanity to the Queen of peace.
“Let us together pray for our brothers in Ukraine and Russia to find peace,” explained Dom Virgílio do Carmo da Silva this morning at the Nossa Senhora Imaculada da Conceição Cathedral Church, Vilaverde, Dili.
The Archbishop also thanked the representatives from various Embassies in Timor-Leste such as Ambassadors from Indonesia, New Zealand and Thailand who participated in the joint prayer as an act of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Related news:Timorese Prime Minister expresses solidarity to the people of Ukraine
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor : Rafy Belo
