Today the Church celebrates with joy the Feast of the Annunciation.
We recall that moment in the history of salvation when Mary said "Yes", and the promise of salvation was fulfilled as the Word of God took flesh the womb of Mary.
We recall that moment with rejoicing and thanksgiving.
And this year we also celebrate this feast with supplication and the consecration of Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The Pope has called upon the Church to be united in prayer for the consecration on this day.
The purpose of this consecration is to implore the Lord our God who pour forth the blessings of salvation on the two countries through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Yes, Ukraine and Russia are in need of God's salvation.
The whole world is in need of salvation.
We all are in need of God's salvation.
Let us always remember that Jesus died to save us and the whole world.
We turn to Mary for her intercession and we cry to God that He will listen to our prayer and that our prayer will not be in vain.
Let us pray with faith and put our hope in God's salvation and we will see the saving love of God for Ukraine, for Russia, for the world and for ourselves.