Dear all,

In solidarity with a number of Episcopal Conferences throughout the world, all diocesan and eparchial Bishops have been invited to consecrate their individual dioceses and eparchies to Mary, Mother of the Church on Friday, May 1, 2020, seeking her maternal intercession during the Coronavirus pandemic. His Excellency Bishop Douglas Crosby, OMI, will consecrate the Diocese of Hamilton to Mary, Mother of the Church, during a Mass celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King on Friday morning at 9:30 a.m.  At 3:00 p.m. he will consecrate St. Mary’s Parish in Hamilton on the occasion of the 160th Anniversary of the opening of the original Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Hamilton.

Priests are invited to consecrate their respective Parishes and other institutions which they serve.  Families and individuals are likewise invited to consecrate themselves and their homes to Mary, Mother of the Church, as they pray for her maternal protection during this pandemic.  The Ritual texts for the Consecration of Canada to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, in time of Pandemic are attached for your convenience.  They will also be posted on our Diocesan Website.

Please see the Ritual text (English, French) which may be used by all.  Though it is not envisioned that the attached ritual be celebrated during Mass, when the consecration to Mary is included during Mass, only the Prayer of Consecration, the Intercessions and Concluding prayer are used.  Families and individuals may make the adaptations according to their circumstances, however, always including the Prayer of Consecration, Intercessions, Lord’s Prayer and Concluding Prayer.

Let us confidently entrust our country, our Diocese, our Parishes and our homes to Our Blessed Mother.

Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Monsignor Murray J. Kroetsch, PH, VG
Chancellor

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton
700 King Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1C7
www.hamiltondiocese.com