Video: Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin to consecrate people of Ireland to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for protection from COVID-19

Archbishop Martin said the consecration will take place at noon on the Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord, Wednesday, March 25.

Bishops and priests will lead the Consecration from their homes, cathedrals and churches across the country.

The Catholic faithful are invited to join their local priest or bishop from their home, via webcam.

He said: “As Church now, more than ever, we are committed to offering prayer, solidarity and compassion in our society. Social distancing cannot be allowed to create social isolation and, through prayer, as Pope Francis said on Sunday, we can overcome: ‘In these trying days, while humanity trembles due to the thread of the pandemic, I would like to propose to all Christians that together we lift our voices towards Heaven.’

“Pope Francis has shown strong pastoral leadership at this horrendous time especially when we consider the impact that the rapid devastation COVID19 has wrought across Italy.

"Tomorrow, at midday, to mark the Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord, as we consecrate Ireland and our people to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for protection against the coronavirus, Pope Francis has asked ‘all Christians of the various confessions, to invoke the Almighty, the omnipotent God, to recite at the same time the prayer that Jesus, our Lord, taught us’, – the Our Father. Pope Francis prayerfully said, ‘may the Lord listen to the united prayer of all of His disciples who are preparing themselves to celebrate the victory of the Risen Christ."

Archbishop Eamon Martin concluded: “In an act of profound prayer, solidarity and compassion, through our prayers, let us join in spiritual communion with Our Lord, Our Blessed Mother, Pope Francis and with each other.”