Special Mass Friday at Joliet cathedral is part of consecration of Russia and Ukraine

The Diocese of Joliet will celebrate a special Mass on Friday to unite with Pope Francis’ consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, according to a news release from the diocese.

Friday, in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, is the feast of the Solemnity of the Annunciation. Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24. Since then, more than 10 million Ukranians have been displaced from their homes and more than 3.4 million have fled the country, according to the release.

The Mass will be held at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet. The timing of the Mass coincides with Pope Francis’ Mass at 5 p.m. Rome time.

The Mass will also be livestreamed at youtu.be/GI5IUscepBM. All priests of the Diocese of Joliet may concelebrate the Mass, if they wish, according to the release.

Locally, Greg Aimaro of New Lenox lived in Chernihiv in Northern Ukraine from September 2021 until February and tries to keep in contact with his friends there as does Rev. Mykola Bodnarchuk, pastor of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Joliet, who is from Western Ukraine.

Ryan Chocholek of Channahon is currently in Poland close to the Ukraine border, is using his emergency medical technician training to help refugees.