Charlotte Catholics join worldwide prayer for peace in Ukraine as Russia invades
Charlotte Catholics on Friday joined other churches in a global prayer for peace in Ukraine as the European country defends itself from a Russian invasion.
Bishops in Ukraine asked Pope Francis for worldwide prayers when the conflict began in February, said Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the Charlotte diocese. Francis invited bishops, priests and the faithful to join him in the prayer, the Associated Press reported.
Surrounded by dozens of Catholics at St. Patrick Cathedral in Dilworth, Bishop Peter J. Jugis participated in the prayer and said it in unison with other faith leaders.
“Free us from war, protect our world from the menace of nuclear weapons,” Jugis prayed. “Mother of God and our Mother, to your Immaculate Heart we solemnly entrust and consecrate ourselves, the Church and all humanity, especially Russia and Ukraine.”
During the consecration, the congregation stood and bowed their heads in support of Ukraine and world peace.
“I think it tells you how profound of a historical moment in which we find ourselves,” Winslow said. “I think it’s a real flash point over in Eastern Europe because everyone is aware of how this could escalate and be very bad.”
Consecration means “to make holy,” and an act of consecration is a prayer to become more united with God. Friday’s prayer was an appeal for Mary, the mother of Jesus, to intervene with God and help bring peace and an end to the war in Ukraine, said Liz Chandler, spokeswoman for Catholic Diocese of Charlotte.
“The one thing we can all do, no matter where we are around the world, is come together and pray,” Winslow said. “We’re asking God for peace, and we know and believe peace begins with the heart.”
Sister Mary Jacinta said she hopes the peace Mary has provided in her life will “reign all over the world.”
“Our lady promises that her immaculate heart will triumph,” Jacinta said.
Winslow said conflicts like Ukraine will always exist, which is why it’s important to ask God to grant peace to so many hearts throughout the world.
“If people throughout the world can increase the measure of peace within their hearts, that will lead to peace throughout the world,” he said.
