Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santo Domingo (Agenzia Fides) – “With the unanimous support of our lay faithful, heads of apostolic groups throughout the country, as well as our priests, deacons, and religious, we the Bishops have accepted the decision to consecrate our nation, the Dominican Republic, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary,” said Archbishop Juan Antonio Flores Santana, Archbishop Emeritus of Santiago de los Caballeros, in a letter sent on the occasion of the Nation’s Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The main act of consecration will take place this Wednesday September 24, feast of Our Lady of “Las Mercedes,” Patroness of the Dominican Republic, in Santo Cerro, at 10am, presided by Cardinal Nicholas de Jesús López Rodríguez, Archbishop of Santo Domingo and Primate of America, as well as President of the Dominican Republic Conference of Bishops. Each bishop will carry out the act of consecration in his own diocese, and in this way, the entire country will be consecrated.
Archbishop Juan Antonio Flores is asking that all the faithful prepare during this month for the great celebration to take place on the 24th, and in this manner, “collaborate as members of the communion of saints, in the salvation of our country and our world.” The Archbishop indicates the importance of prayer, penance, and good works towards the poorest of the poor, and of course, “among the works of penance, the main act that we can carry out first of all is a good confession.”
Bishop Jose Grullon Estrella of San Juan de la Maguana says in his letter that “each priest and bishop will consecrate their flock: each family, community, parish, etc.” On a civil level, “we consecrate the city districts, the towns, and the three provinces of Azua, San Juan, and Elias Piña, which correspond to our Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana.”
“Just as a Church is consecrated for religious use,” the Bishop continued, “we consecrate our country and we place it within the Immaculate Heart of Mary, so that Jesus may forgive our people and make us immaculate like His Mother, and that we may all practice solidarity in our search for the common good.” “In pronouncing the words of consecration of the country to Mary, we will impress a sacred character on this land, as the first missionaries did in placing the cross on this earth, showing our total belonging to Christ.” Thus, in order to better prepare for this event, Bishop Jose asks that the faithful firstly make a fast from food or whatever “leads us to sin.”
“It is time to make sacrifices, prayer, and above all, a good confession, with a firm resolution to change our lives, to arrive on this day with a clean heart and soul, ready for God to fully work in each of our lives, through the consecration of our country.” In the Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana, the Consecration of the Diocese will take place in the Cathedral, on the 24th at 10am, beginning at 8:30am, with a time of prayer along with the other parishes in the city. There will also be a consecration in each parish, district, and community. A novena will be said throughout the country, in preparation, beginning today (September 15). (RG) (Agenzia Fides 15/9/2008)
