On the 11th of February of this year, at 12 o’clock noon in Trakai at the Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Bishops of Lithuania will celebrate a solemn Holy Mass, during which Lithuania will be consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Patroness of Lithuania.
What is the significance of this consecration?
The Consecration of Lithuania to the Blessed Virgin Mary is an act of faith. With it
- we express our trust in Mary, whom Jesus commended to all of us as our Mother when, from the Cross, he said to St. John: “Behold your Mother!” (Jn 19:27);
- we renew the faith expressed by our parents and ancestors and give thanks that Lithuania has long been known as the Land of Mary. Three centuries ago her image in Trakai was crowned and she was declared Patroness of Lithuania by Pope Clement XI;
- we entrust to Mary’s protection the present and future of Lithuania, gratefully remembering all those who helped to establish the restoration of the State of Lithuania. On the 16th of February of this year we will celebrate the Centenary of the Restoration of the State of Lithuania.
On February 11th we invite everyone to participate in this common act of faith during Mass, whether in Trakai or in your Lithuanian parish around the world, together with your priests to recite the words of the Consecration of Lithuania to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Patroness of Lithuania.
Those unable to travel to Trakai or to their local church, may join in this Act of Faith via LRT television or Radio Maria, which will broadcast the solemnities live from the Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Trakai.
We encourage you to say this prayer of Consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary often during this Jubilee Year of the Trakai Mother of God – praying it in parish communities, families, and also individually.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary watch over Lithuania, and each day may she direct our gaze to her Son, inviting us to listen to His words and to follow Him. For Christ Jesus is our hope! (cf. 1 Tim 1:1)
The Bishops of Lithuania
Text of the prayer
Most Blessed Virgin Mary, owing to our merciful God’s desire to save man, you agreed to be the humble servant of the Lord and were by your Son’s side when He offered His life for us as a sacrifice of perfect obedience to His Father.
Inspired by your example, o Mary, Full of Grace,
we unite ourselves to your motherly desire
to intercede for everyone who implores your help as
we consecrate present day Lithuania to your Immaculate Heart.
To your protection –
We entrust the children, praying that they may grow up as people of faith and virtue, to become the builders of Lithuania’s future.
We entrust young people, that they may ardently seek truth and not lack the resolve to duly respond to their vocations.
We entrust married people, that Lithuania’s families may become communities of strong and faithful love and the foundation of a harmonious society.
We entrust the toil of those who honestly labour, praying that their work may not only increase their well-being, but also lead them to holiness and let them be faithful bearers of the Good News.
We entrust the patience of the suffering, the ill, and the elderly, that it may move us to perform works of mercy and to give selfless assistance.
We entrust our people’s desire to build a society based on Christian values, so that all of Lithuania might live in faith, hope and love.
Mary, you have long lovingly watched over Lithuania’s people from the ducal town of Trakai. Help us to live in keeping with the desires of your Immaculate Heart that we may give glory to God, who lives and reigns forever.
Amen.