In light of the current coronavirus pandemic and the broad-ranging impact it is having on people across the globe, bishops around the world have been turning in supplication to our most powerful intercessor, Mary, the Mother of God, entrusting their countries to her care and protection. On Friday, May 1, the bishops of Canada and the United States will unite in prayer as they consecrate their respective countries to Our Mother. This date has been chosen for its significance as the first day of a month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. All the lay faithful are invited to participate in this act of faith and trust, uniting in prayer with our bishops and with one another. Both the USCCB and the CCCB have provided prayer guides for this consecration. (Please note that while they are very similar, there are some differences between the two.) The guide for the Canadian version of the ceremony can be found HERE along with other resources. And the American version can be found HERE. In Canada, Most Rev. Richard Gagnon, Archbishop of Winnipeg and President of the CCCB, will be performing the consecration in St. Mary's Cathedral in Winnipeg at 3 pm ET on Friday, May 1, which we will broadcast live on Salt + Light TV. Each diocese or eparchy will also be consecrated by its local bishop. These will most likely be offered via livestream for the benefit of all the faithful. Please check with your local diocese for more information. In the United States, Most Rev. José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles and President of the USCCB, will offer the prayer on behalf of the entire nation at 3 pm ET on Friday, May 1. All Americans are invited to follow the service via livestream at lacatholics.org/consecration/ or facebook.com/usccb.

Consecration of Canada to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, in time of pandemic

Live broadcast from St. Mary's Cathedral in Winnipeg

Friday, May 1

3 pm ET / 2 pm CT / 12 pm PT

---

HOW TO WATCH:

Subscribe to Salt + Light TV, Canada's National Catholic TV Network, available on most cable and satellite carriers across Canada.*

To find out what channel we’re on or how to subscribe, click here.

To watch our live broadcast online, click here.

The event will also be streamed live on our Facebook page.

*During the current crisis, some cable providers are temporarily offering Salt + Light TV as a free preview channel. Please check with your provider for details.

 

Want to know more about this special joint consecration?

Deacon Pedro Guevara-Mann had an opportunity to speak about this consecration with Most Rev. Richard Gagnon, Archbishop of Winnipeg and President of the CCCB, and Most Rev. José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles and President of the USCCB. Watch the full interview below.