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Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary this evening, entrusting the nations to Mary’s help and protection amid the ongoing conflict there. The pope has asked everyone in the world to join him. The consecration itself will take the form of a prayer that Pope Francis will recite during a penitential service in Rome. If you want to join the pope at the beginning of the penitential service, the service will start at 5 pm Rome time. EWTN will broadcast the service on cable and online. If you want to join in praying with Pope Francis at the exact moment he is praying the prayer of consecration, that will likely happen closer to 6:30 pm Rome time, according to the pope. Your diocese or parish is likely organizing a gathering to pray it together. The text of the prayer can be found at our website, catholic news agency dot com.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250786/what-time-is-the-consecration-of-russia-and-ukraine-find-out-here
In an 8-to-1 ruling on Thursday, the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of an inmate who requested that his pastor pray aloud and “lay hands” on him during his execution. The prisoner,who identifies as Christian, asked for his pastor to be present during his execution, originally scheduled for September 2021. The court’s majority ruled that the prisoner was likely to prevail in his case under the RLUIPA, a law which provides that the government not impose “a substantial burden on the religious exercise of a person residing in or confined to an institution.”The single dissenter, Justice Clarence Thomas, called the prisoner’s claim “insincere.”
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250784/supreme-court-inmate-pastor-during-execution
The Archdiocese of Denver has investigated a reported miracle, and has determined that a statue of Saint Michael the Archangel was not, in fact, bleeding blood. A chemical analysis has determined that the red liquid on the statue was similar to nail polish. The statue belonged to a 57-year-old Catholic in the Denver suburb of Broomfield. After the investigation, the archdiocese said it “urges the faithful to exercise prudence in becoming involved with unapproved apparitions or alleged miracles.”
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250783/denver-archdiocese-supposed-blood-on-st-michael-statue-similar-to-red-nail-polish
Today is the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. This feast day celebrates the coming of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, to announce to her the special mission God had chosen for her to be the mother of Jesus, His only son. Because this is a solemnity that falls during a Friday in Lent, Catholics should feel free to eat meat today.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/solemnity-of-the-annunciation-of-the-lord-188
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250781/can-catholics-eat-meat-when-a-solemnity-falls-on-a-friday-during-lent
Today the Church also celebrates Saint Dismas, also called the Good Thief, who was crucified alongside Jesus.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-dismas-419