Call to Prayer - U.S. and Canadian Catholic Bishops to Seek Intercession of Mary (May 1)

As the world continues to face the ongoing effects of the global pandemic of the coronavirus, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has announced it will join the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on May 1 in renewing the consecrations of the two nations to the care of our Blessed Mother.

USCCB President Archbishop José Gomez will lead a brief liturgy with the prayer of re-consecration on Friday, May 1 at 2:00 pm CST. A liturgy guide will be available to assist the faithful at www.cathdal.org/consecration. Visit the USCCB’s social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to pray along with Archbishop Gomez.

Bishop Edward J. Burns asks all in the Diocese of Dallas to join in this special prayer asking for the Virgin Mary’s help in this time of great sorrow and need. "During these difficult days, it is important that we call on all the angels and saints to assist us. In particular, we turn to our Blessed Mother who has a special care for us. We pray for her intercession, seeking God's grace, strength, and presence during this pandemic."

“This will give the Church the occasion to pray for Our Lady’s continued protection of the vulnerable, healing of the unwell, and wisdom for those who work to cure this terrible virus,” said Archbishop Gomez in a letter to his brother bishops around the country.

Through a collective dedication or entrustment of a nation to Mary, an act of consecration is meant to be a reminder to the faithful of the Blessed Mother’s witness to the Gospel and to ask for her effective intercession before her Son on behalf of those in need.

The renewal of consecration planned in this country for May 1 does not change the designation of Mary as the Patroness of the United States under the title of the Immaculate Conception. Rather, this prayer reaffirms and renews previous Marian entrustments, and unites us in solidarity with our Holy Father, who recently established the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, as a source of protection and strength.