Nuncio to Ukraine: 'Conversion to God is essential part of Consecration'

Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, says that the Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary entails conversion and reconciliation of ourselves to God.

By Robin Gomes

Bishops and Catholic faithful all over the world are spiritually joining Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican in the Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, on the feast of the Annunciation, 25 March.

The papal initiative is taking place during the "24 Hours for the Lord" Lenten penitential service, which begins at 5 PM Rome time on Friday.

Conversion - being really human

Commenting on the Act of Consecration, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, said the Virgin of Fatima is asking everyone to convert.

"But conversion does not mean converting to a denomination, a certain Church, or a confession. Rather, conversion concerns all people - Catholics, Orthodox, Lutherans, Baptists, and followers of other religions," he told Vatican News.

“Conversion means to become a real human person, living the solidarity and fraternity among people. That is why this act of consecration doesn’t mean a magic moment that we just ask the Virgin Mary to protect us and find the solutions to this war and all kinds of wars. But, we should participate ourselves with our conversion.”

Reconciling with God

Archbishop Kulbokas explained that this is why Pope Francis chose to start the Act of Consecration with the penitential act, with confession and our reconciliation with God.

“When we reconcile ourselves with the Lord and with humanity, with our brothers and sisters, then we can say that we have done our part, accomplished our mission, what is possible with what belongs to us, and what is our responsibility in building peace.”

After this, the Nuncio said, we ask the Virgin Mary to intercede for us and to ask as a miracle and also as an act of Divine Mercy to give us peace.

Listen to the full interview