DOWRY - RENEWAL OF KING RICHARD II's CONSECRATION BY OUR BISHOPS.

IT could fairly be said that the Consecration of England as the Dowry of Mary, by King Richard II in Westminster Abbey in 1381, was the greatest act of Tuitio Fidei in the history of our country. 

It is thus fitting that members of the Order of Malta should join enthusiastically with the Bishops of England and Wales in the renewal of this Consecration on March 29th, the Sunday following the feast of the Annunciation, Lady Day, this year. This devotion is of course being promoted by our confrere and chaplain, the Rector of Walsingham, Monsignor John Armitage.

The Dedication is to be preceded by 33 days of prayer and preparation, starting now.

After over 600 years, and nearly 500 years of Protestant Reformation, what an honour for us to see in our lifetime this glorious, powerful, and auspicious event. May it be a turning point in our country's history and spiritual life.

Members of the Order and Companions are encouraged to promote this devotion in their families and workplace.  

There is a website HERE, called BEHOLD-2020, with much excellent information and an online resource for the prayers of the 33-day Consecration, which follows the ancient formula codified by St Louis-Marie de Montfort, and which was, we are told by him, already old by the time of King Richard, and known in England in the centuries following the Reformation.

The Consecration will take place simultaneously in many places around the country on the 29th March, look out for details in your parishes, and we are encouraged to make the Consecration also within our own homes and families as a personal consecration. 

Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us.

St John the Baptist, pray for us.

St Edward the Confessor, pray for us.

St Edmund King and Martyr, pray for us.

St George, pray for us.

All Holy Angels, guard us.

DOS TUA VIRGO PIA HÆC EST, QUARE REGE MARIA