Solemnity of the Annunciation, Holy Mass in St Mary’s Cathedral, March 25 2022
By Evelyn Jock
Apr 1 2022
POPE Francis called Bishops from all over the universal Catholic churches to invoke an end to the war between Ukraine and Russia and for peace to be restored, and that the violence, sufferings and killings of the innocents to stop.
In solidarity with all the Bishops of the world, Bishop Julius Gitom, bishop of Sandakan Diocese, led the parishioners of St Mary’s Cathedral, in consecrating Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
In conjunction with the Solemnity of the Annunciation, Holy Mass was celebrated at 6:00 pm on 25 March 2022, after the devotion of the Way of the Cross. The lay faithful were urged to pray the rosary as a family or as Basic Ecclesial Community.
Bishop Julius reminded the congregation of the joyful annunciation of Mary conceiving the Messiah in her home in Nazareth. However, as we rejoice in the Good News of the Annunciation, we also joined millions of people around the world to consecrate Ukraine and Russia to our Blessed Mother.
With the invasion of Ukraine, millions of its people have fled the country and thousands were internally displaced or killed. There is no winner in war, only complete annihilation to properties, loss of lives and sufferings to the people involved.
The horror that unfolded in Ukraine has caused Pope Francis to invite the people of God throughout the world to pray and specifically consecrate these two nations to Mary, praying that God would soften the hearts of the leaders to look for peaceful means to end the conflict.
Bishop Julius Gitom presiding the Holy Mass
Bishop Julius reflected that when Mary heard Angel Gabriel’s message that would launch a new Covenant between our Maker and mankind, she was puzzled and worried that she was to conceive a child while still a virgin.
Similarly, he shared that as he looked back on his own life during the COVID-19 pandemic, he was also puzzled and worried. During the pandemic lockdown, many were faced with an uncertain future and some lost their source of income and relied on generous people for their daily needs.
For the people of Ukraine, their sufferings are immense and unimaginable. They too are faced with an uncertain future, suffered hardship, lost their homes, loved ones and millions are refugees in other countries, added the bishop.
At the annunciation, Bishop Julius recalled that Mary accepted the message from Angel Gabriel with total trust in God, even though her future was uncertain. The angel had promised her that “the power of the Most High will overshadow you”. Mary understood that God would make her the Mother of the Messiah. Mary, through her faith, obedience and resilience, is a shining example to us all.
Bishop Julius urged the congregation, that as we celebrate Mary’s belief, obedience and the grace of God that makes her our Blessed Mother, we also consecrate Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary with complete trust and confidence in her help and know that anyone who comes to her aid would not be abandoned. – Diocese of Sandakan
