CNA Staff, Apr 30, 2020 / 13:23 pm
The bishops of both the United States and Canada are set to consecrate their nations to Mary, Mother of the Church on May 1.
In fact, this will be a reconsecration, as both countries have been consecrated to Mary before- as has the entire world, several times.
Reconsecrating the country, the US bishops said in an April 23 announcement, is meant to serve as a reminder to the faithful of Mary's witness to the Gospel, and as a way of asking for Mary's intercession before Jesus on behalf of those in need.
"Every year, the Church seeks the special intercession of the Mother of God during the month of May. This year, we seek the assistance of Our Lady all the more earnestly as we face together the effects of the global pandemic," Archbishop Jose Gomez, president of the US bishops, said in his April 22 letter announcing the consecration.
To Jesus through Mary
A person or nation that is consecrated is set aside for a holy purpose.