Derry is set to be the location of the first-ever Worldwide Marian Procession this June, with Christians called to ‘join in unity across the world to honour the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.’

Launched by Youtube channel ‘Guardians of the Faith,’ the event has also received the support of Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown, who encouraged everyone to attend.

The event schedule begins on Friday, June 12 – Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – at 10.30am with a 24 hours Adoration.

This ends on Saturday, June 13, the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, at 10am, followed by a World Holy Mass at St. Mary’s Chapel, Creggan.

The grotto at St. Eugene's Cathedral that was erected in 1928 in memory of Bishop Charles McHugh, who inaugurated the first Irish National Pilgrimage to Lourdes in 1912.

placeholder image — The grotto at St. Eugene's Cathedral that was erected in 1928 in memory of Bishop Charles McHugh, who inaugurated the first Irish National Pilgrimage to Lourdes in 1912.

From 10.30am to 11.15am, the Men’s and Women’s Rosary of Ireland will come together to pray the Rosary in unity, on their knees, in Guildhall Square, Derry.

Following Holy Mass, there will be the Marian Procession through the streets of Derry, which will end at Celtic Park GAA Stadium with benediction and the Holy Rosary.

The event organisers are asking all participants in the worldwide Marian procession to dress in a specific way: men and boys are to wear white shirts with blue ties, while women and girls are asked to wear blue and cover their heads with mantels.

They said this is in ‘honour of our Most Blessed Mother and marks the rise of Mary’s Blue Army around the world, united in honour of Our Lady on the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.’

Organisers confirmed that clergy and prayer groups from across Ireland and worldwide have pledged support, including the Grey Friars, the Carmelites, Home of the Mother (Servant of God Claire Crockett’s order), Men’s Rosary, Women’s Rosary, Catholic Mothers Ireland, Children’s Rosary, Children of the Eucharist, HLI Ireland, Precious Life, Marian Movement of Priests (Ireland & Australia), Flame of Love Ireland, Cursillo, Walk to Knock, Reclaim the Faith Podcast, Legion of Mary , Men of St Joseph, Holy Souls Group, Youth 2000, Kerrystown Shrine, St Vincent de Paul’s, Knights of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Knights of Our Lord & His Holy Mother , and many more.

They said there will also be media coverage from around the world.

Organisers have also asked people to ‘ask your local chapel or convent to join in unity as we honour the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.’

The prayer intentions are: For world peace and the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary; in reparation for sins committed against the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary; an end to the culture of death and paganism; for the holy souls and the conversion of sinners and for every nation to honour Christ the King.

In a video showing his support, Bishop McKeown said that, over the last ‘couple of years there has been a real discovery both here and around the rest of the world about professing our faith in the streets.’

He welcomed everyone to come to Derry to celebrate faith, hope and to bring ‘Jesus to our streets’ with ‘Mary at our side’.

For further information, see https://www.worldwidemarianprocession.com/index.html