From The Irish Catholic:
Bishops to lead Marian consecration of Ireland
Ireland will be consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on August 15. The hierarchy has announced plans to travel to the Marian shrine in Knock, Co. Mayo on that date to perform the ceremony entrusting the wellbeing of the Irish to the Blessed Virgin.
The consecration comes after major letter-writing and lobbying campaigns by Catholic lay groups for such a move.
Archbishop Eamon Martin, coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh will be the principal celebrant of the Mass on that day with Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland leading the consecration.
According to a statement from the Catholic Communications Office: “The consecration will ask Our Lady to intercede for the people of Ireland and to take their needs to her Son.” The statement added that in the Year of Faith, “it is fitting that the act of consecrating Ireland takes place since it calls to mind the woman of faith par excellence and asks for her prayers for the people of this country”.
Responding to news of the consecration, the Steering Committee for the National Consecration of Ireland to the Immaculate Heart of Mary (SCNCI), which led a 13.5 million rosary campaign seeking consecration said in a statement: “This is truly a momentous day as the two-year mission of the SCNCI comes to a successful conclusion. The waiting is over!”
