Today, the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady, the Bishops of Ireland will consecrate Ireland to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, at the National Shrine in Knock. It is an important spiritual event for us here, and hopefully the consecration will yield fruit for us in our struggle for religious freedom and in the struggle for life.
That said I cannot help but think of it being a little too late, like closing the stable door after the horse has bolted. But at least it is being done now.
Here is the prayer which will be used for the consecration: it will be prayed at the Apparition Gable, where Our Lady appeared with St Joseph, St John with the Lamb of God, in 1879.
Prayer for the Act of Consecration
Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and Refuge of Sinners, we entrust and consecrate ourselves, our family, our home and our Dioceses to Jesus through your Immaculate Heart. As your children, we promise to follow your example in our lives by doing at all times the will of God.
O Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit, we renew today the promises of our Baptism and Confirmation. Intercede for us with the Holy Spirit that we may be always faithful to your Divine Son, to his Mystical Body, the Catholic Church, and to the teachings of his Vicar on earth, our Holy Father the Pope.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, our Queen and our Mother, we promise to uphold the sanctity of marriage and the welfare of the family. Watch over our minds and hearts and preserve our youth from dangers to the faith and the many temptations that threaten them in the world today.
We ask you, Mary our Advocate to intercede with your divine Son. Obtain for our country the grace to uphold the uniqueness of every human life, from the first moment of conception to natural death.
O Blessed Mother, Our Life, our Sweetness and Our Hope, we wish that this Consecration be for the great glory of God and that it lead us safely to Jesus your Son.
A Naomh-Mhuire, a Mháthair Dé, guigh orainn na peacaigh, anois agus ar uair ár mbáis.
Amen.
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