Posted on 11/10/2006 1:20:52 PM PST by NYer
WASHINGTON (Catholic Online) – The United States consecration to the protection of its patroness, the Immaculate Conception, will be renewed at liturgical ceremonies at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception here.
Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Holy See nuncio to the United States, will officiate at the Nov. 11 renewal of the country’s consecration, at which bishops from around the country will participate. The Mass is scheduled for 12 p.m.
This consecration of the nation adds the special mention of the immaculate and sorrowful heart of Mary, the mission of the World Apostolate of Fatima. The prayer for the consecration used for the Nov. 11 event is the same one that was composed by the U.S. bishops in 1959 for the dedication ceremony of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the consecration of the United States to the Immaculate Conception.
Bishops not able to be present were invited by the World Apostolate of Fatima to sign the consecration prayer, which then was to be offered at the Nov. 11 basilica Mass.
During World War I, Cardinal Francis Bourne, primate of England, consecrated the nation to the sorrowful and immaculate heart of Mary.
The armistice for the world war was subsequently signed Nov. 11, the same day chosen for the consecration renewal Mass.
During the 1720s, the bubonic plague was rampant in Marseille, France. After an estimated 50,000 of 90,000 people died of the plague in a period of several months, the city’s archbishop consecrated Marseille to the sacred heart of Jesus. The plague reportedly ended without the use of any vaccinations or other medical treatments.
“Historically, many countries have been consecrated to the sacred heart of Jesus and many to blessed mother under various titles,” said Father Andrew Apostoli, vice postulator for the cause of canonization for Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, who is involved with the renewal of the consecration. “These consecrations have proven to be strong link with the sacred heart or blessed mother. In such cases, the sacred heart of Jesus and the blessed mother have given a special protection and care to those countries that were consecrated to them.”
He said that the consecration is especially important today as the United States faces serious threats to its security from within and without the nation.
“Outside the nation, there is growing threat of violence, terrorism, war and even the possibility of a nuclear war,” he said. “Recent events of testing of nuclear weapons in North Korea and the threat of nuclear weapons in Iran make the midnight of nuclear war a frightening possibility.”
“Inside the country, we see the rising of secularism, which is suffocating moral and religious values,” Father Apostoli said. He pointed to “the spread of the culture of death, by abortion, embryonic stem cell research, euthanasia … the destruction of the Christian value of family … the promotion of gay lifestyle, especially the acceptance of homosexual unions to be recognized as marriage … the spread of pornography, couples living together without the benefit of marriage and increasing divorce.”
Politics, he said, “alone cannot solve these problems” and military action would lead only to mutual destruction.
“We are left with one choice,” the priest said. “Our Lady gave that in her very first apparition in Fatima, May 13, 1917. She said, ‘I am the only one who can help you!’ I believe that.”
The following is the prayer for renewal of consecration of the United States to its patroness, the Immaculate Conception:
“Most holy trinity: Our father in heaven, who chose Mary as the fairest of your daughters; Holy Spirit, who chose Mary as your spouse; God the son, who chose Mary as your mother; in union with Mary, we adore your majesty and acknowledge Your supreme, eternal dominion and authority.
“Most holy trinity, we put the United States of America into the hands of Mary immaculate in order that she may present the country to you. Through her we wish to thank you for the great resources of this land and for the freedom, which has been its heritage. Through the intercession of Mary, have mercy on the Catholic Church in America. Grant us peace. Have mercy on our president and on all the officers of our government. Grant us a fruitful economy born of justice and charity. Have mercy on capital and industry and labor. Protect the family life of the nation. Guard the precious gift of many religious vocations. Through the intercession of our mother, have mercy on the sick, the poor, the tempted, sinners – on all who are in need.
“Mary, immaculate virgin, our mother, patroness of our land, we praise you and honor you and give our country and ourselves to your sorrowful and immaculate heart. O’ sorrowful and immaculate heart of Mary pierced by the sword of sorrow prophesized by Simeon save us from degeneration, disaster and war. Protect us from all harm. O’ sorrowful and immaculate heart of Mary, you who bore the sufferings of your son in the depths of your heart be our advocate. Pray for us, that acting always according to your will and the will of your divine son, we may live and die pleasing to God. Amen.”
Amen
Thank the Lord. Can we say the St. Michael's prayer after Mass as well?
Absolutely!
Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -
by the Divine Power of God -
cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits,
who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
Sounds like good news to me. We all need to pray for the conversion of the non-believers (and the Democrats) in America!
Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us!
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