On December 8, 2004 – the 150th anniversary of Pope Pius IX’s solemn proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception – Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago, will consecrate the Archdiocese to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The consecration will take place at Holy Name Cathedral.
In the August 15, 2004 edition of the Catholic New World, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Chicago, George wrote that “the auxiliary bishops and I have put together a preliminary plan [to prepare for the consecration]. It moves from catechesis to prayer to consecration….”
Rev. Charles Becker, a priest of the Archdiocese who directs a series of Marian prayer groups in the greater Chicagoland area, is excited about the upcoming consecration.
“We need the protection and direction of the Blessed Mother in these tumultuous times,” says Becker. “I’m very glad the Cardinal has decided to do this.” [Source]
