Praying for Ukraine: Why Russia’s Consecration to Mary is Not Enough

We see and hear so much about the war in Ukraine, and yet there seems to be little we can do from here in the United States. We donate supplies when able, and money if able as well, hoping the little we give will help refugees and Ukrainian fighters along the way. We sit comfortably at home wondering in horror at the tragedy going on a world away. What else can we do?

We can pray, and pray earnestly. We must pray. Pray for an end to this war. Pray for peace. Amidst cries for prayer, we hear we must pray for the consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This is what our Holy Mother asked of the world at Fatima so long ago. While the consecration happened on March 25th, 1984, not all of Our Lady’s requests were heeded.

She also requested the Communion of reparation on the First Saturdays. This request includes receiving Communion on five consecutive First Saturdays, monthly confession, recitation of five decades of the Rosary on First Saturdays, and a 15-minute meditation of the mysteries of the Rosary. So, while the pope did consecrate Russia to Mary, Russia did not complete the rest of her requests.

So here we are, praying for Russia’s consecration when it seems we should be praying for conversion all over again. We come back to the question: What else can we do?

We can complete as much of the same requests of Our Lady on our own for our own hearts. We must do so in prayer and contemplation of the Lord and the many mysteries surrounding His Will. We must pray for the First Saturdays devotion to take place in Russia, and we can help by taking part as well. Our prayers, devotions, sacrifices, fasts, and alms, are all part of Lent. If we offer up our efforts to the Lord for the end of this war and the beginning of peace, we truly will be doing all we can.

Yes, we should continue to give as well as pray. We should do both as often as we’re able. The world needs both corporal and spiritual works of mercy, both faith and works for the Lord. No one way will be enough, but all efforts need to be made by all people from all nations. The more we spread this desire for peace and make these spiritual efforts, the more we fight the forces of darkness that started this war by whispering into the ears of leaders who perpetuated such awful acts.

Russia has been publicly consecrated to Mary, but the rest of Our Lady’s requests must be completed. If we don’t heed our Mother’s words, Russia will continue to spread errors across the world. We’ve seen what’s happening to Ukraine. Let it end here. Pray for Peace, for the safety of Ukrainians, and for the conversion of the whole world, starting with Russia.