Image: Worshippers inside St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral, Kyiv – October 2018. Getty Images

Pope Francis devotes 25 March to the consecration of Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Pope Francis has taken a significant step in his condemnation of war in Ukraine and promotion of peace. He has dedicated Friday 25 March to the consecration of Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The day is also the Feast of the Annunciation, celebrating Mary’s acceptance of the invitation to become the mother of Jesus. The gesture echoes his prayer on Ash Wednesday, ‘May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war’.

The Pope’s move is bold. It implies that prayer is universal and crosses all national boundaries. In times of war this is not a popular position. We mostly insist that God is on our side and absent on the opposed side, and often see prayer that includes our enemies as a surrender to moral equivalence. Some, too, would say that the Pope has no right to consecrate nations to Mary without asking their permission.

But precisely because of this instinctive partisan response it is necessary to pray for the people on both sides and to see war as the enemy that wounds the people whom God loves. Both the Roman Catholic and the Orthodox Churches share a common devotion to Mary as the Mother of God, expressed in their liturgy, hymns and art. It is a rich part of their tradition. In times of crisis the faithful pray through Mary.

That said, the devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary is a Western innovation. It was approved by Rome, too, at a time of some tension between Churches. The Roman Catholic Church was preparing to define as divinely revealed the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. This was questioned by Protestant Christians on the grounds that it was not contained in Scripture and by the Orthodox on the grounds that it did not have the assent of the first eight Ecumenical Councils before the split between East and West.

The consecration of Russia to Mary, too, became clouded by the apparitions of Mary at Fatima at the time of the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. Although Popes subsequently consecrated the world to Mary, but not specifically nations, and held back from some of the more fervent anti-Communist commentary that accompanied the promotion of Fatima, the consecration of Russia remained a source of tension.

For that reason, the consecration of Russia can easily be seen by Russians as a hostile Western gesture directed against both the people of Russia and the Orthodox church. It can easily be misrepresented as anti-Russian.

Consistent with Pope Francis’ governance of the Roman Catholic Church, his first concern in making this gesture, however, is not to avoid misunderstandings but to focus directly on what God wants for God’s people and what Christ came to offer: namely, life. The consecration is an opportunity for people in all nations to wish that the people caught in conflict will be offered and choose life over death, and will pledge allegiance to a God who makes peace over the false gods that foment war. No one comes to prayer, particularly not in times of war, with clean hands and an irreproachable conscience. They are things we might aspire to and find help to attain through our prayer. That is why 25 March this year will be a big day as we associate ourselves with Pope Francis.

Recent Fundraising: 

Vinnies NSW Emergency Flood Appeal

'For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me.’  

Matthew 25: 35-36

Our Catholic school community in the Diocese of Wollongong stands in solidarity with the Lismore Diocese and broader community during these extremely challenging times. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

In response to the devastating floods impacting the Northern Rivers community of Lismore, Vinnies NSW has launched an emergency flood appeal.

The community of Lismore has been one of the hardest-hit areas by the floods with homes and businesses overflowing with water.

"Families have had their lives upended and homes have been destroyed as a result of this crisis," said Jack de Groot, Vinnies NSW CEO.

As a Catholic community in the Diocese of Wollongong – "It's what we do, it's who we are."

St Patrick's Day

Parish Sacramental Programs: 

Holy Communion (Cohort 2021) - postponed from Term 4 2021 (mainly current Year 4 students)

Students and their parents/carers have undertaken a drawnout period of preparation to finally be receiving their Sacrament in Week 10 this Term.

We pray for these students, their parents and carers, as they complete this important step of their initiation into the Catholic Church.

First Reconciliation and Holy Communion (Cohort 2022) (mainly our current Year 3 students plus any other older students who would like to complete their initiation into the Catholic Church)

We held our Registration Meetings last week and we have an overwhelming response (80 students -  from the two parishes of St Therese and Immaculate Conception). 

If you missed these important meetings please contact Melissa (Fr Duane’s secretary) to receive the registration link and information by emailing  unanderra@dow.org.au or please call the Unanderra Parish office on 4271 1068. (Mon, Wed, Fri)

Holy Week Liturgy

On Wednesday of Week 11 (6th April) we will be holding our Holy Week Liturgy in the Church. Kinder to Year 6 will be in attendance. Year 1 to Year 6 will be presenting part of this very important service. Some classes will be using some simple costuming to assist in telling the Story of Jesus' last week before he died and rose again. These bible stories underpin the basis of our faith and it is the most important part of Jesus' life, death and resurrection. Please see below what your child will need to bring in to wear for their part of the story. Please don't go and buy items - whatever you have at home that is similar will do - ie mums t-shirt. Class Teachers will notify individual students if they need anything different for their particular character.

Costume needs for class in general.

WONDER RECYCLING REWARDS