SAGINAW- An estimated 600 members of the faith community, including priests, deacons, religious, lay faithful of all ages and Catholic school students joined Bishop Robert Gruss at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption in Saginaw for the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord with the Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Friday, March 25, 2022.
Bishop Gruss began his homily by sharing, “I am offering this Mass today for the people of Ukraine and the people of Russia and for the conversion of Vladamir Putin.”
Many who attended the Mass have family and friends in Eastern Europe, including Deacon Stanley Kuczynski, who proclaimed the Gospel in Polish. Deacon Stanley was born in Poland and serves at Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish in Bay City.
“As we know, there are many titles given to Our Lady. Two of them are Our Lady Queen of Peace and Our Lady of Hope. As we gather today, she is an example and model for us and for the people of Ukraine. She is a model of perseverance in the face of great struggles and hopelessness in life. She continually offers her Son Jesus as the source of her Hope, and as the source of our Hope.
“We ask that this hope and love, through Mary, be poured out upon the broken and fallen world in Ukraine and Russia – as we now consecrate Ukraine and Russia to Immaculate Heart of Mary."
At the conclusion of his homily, Bishiop Gruss joined Pope Francis in an Act of Consecration of Ukraine and Russia to Immaculate Heart of Mary.
"It honestly touched me to know that no matter wherever you are in the world, that we can all come together, like one unity with God,” shared Iris, a Catholic school student from All Saints Central in Bay City.
In addition to the outpouring of prayerful support, parishes across the diocese have responded to Bishop Gruss’ request for a collection for the people of Ukraine.
The local response has been incredible. To date, faithful from across the Diocese of Saginaw have generously given $207,580.17. Every dollar goes to support Catholic Relief Services and its partners already in Ukraine and bordering countries, who are providing safe shelter, hot meals, hygiene supplies, fuel to keep warm, transport to safe areas, counseling support and more.
Donate now at the CRS website: https://bit.ly/3IU6n1t
Bishop Gruss' homily
Audio recording below
More presentations/homilies by Bishop Gruss
Full video of the Mass
NBC25 news story: Saginaw church comes together to pray for peace
How to Listen to Our Podcast on Your Phone
Although you can listen to audio recordings (A.K.A. podcast episodes) using embedded players such as the one above, most people listen to podcasts using their smart phone.
If you have a smartphone, you have a podcast player on your phone. On an apple phone, your podcast player is called "Podcasts"
How do I listen using my iphone?
How do I listen on my Android phone?
How to Subscribe to our Podcast
Subscribing allows you to download and/or listen to any of our recordings anytime for free. Subscribing means you automatically receive new episodes.