Bishop Schneider: In our time, God gave us the Church-approved apparition of Fatima. Fatima remains timely, though its message has not yet been fully embraced by all the faithful and clergy. What Our Lady asked at Fatima is sufficient to guide us spiritually. Thanks be to God, the Pope finally consecrated Russia to her Immaculate Heart on March 25, but we have always sought to fulfill what Our Lady requested.
She revealed that it is God’s will to grant humanity and the Church a special spiritual grace: devotion to the Immaculate Heart. We must spread this devotion. I would also advise all good Catholics to be sober and discerning, and not to be unduly influenced by every so-called private revelation.
Kennedy Hall: Yes, that’s exactly right. I’m really glad you mentioned the consecration of Russia. I believe that Pope Francis’s consecration was valid. One reason for my confidence is that I studied the theology of consecration deeply. When I worked with the Fatima Center, I learned a lot about this, even though they have a different view and some question its validity.
Theologically, consecration has a high standard, like the consecration of the Eucharist, which requires specific matter, words, and intention to be valid. But consecrations of people or countries are slightly more flexible. Even a short, simple prayer of consecration, “I consecrate X to the Immaculate Heart of Mary”, is valid, as long as the intention is clear. So I do not doubt the validity of the Pope’s act.
People often ask: if the consecration was done, why haven’t we seen immediate results? This question reflects a misunderstanding of what was promised. Could you explain why expecting an instant effect is not the right approach?
Bishop Schneider: Yes, this is an important point. We must understand the nature of a consecration. A consecration is not a sacrament. Sacraments operate instantly when their conditions are fulfilled, like the Eucharist, where bread and wine are transformed by the priest’s words and intention, or baptism, which immediately imparts grace. The effects are objective and independent of the personal holiness of the minister.
A consecration, however, is a sacramental (sacramentale), not a sacrament. It is a prayer of intercession, a work of the Church, and its effect depends on God’s will. The Pope’s consecration has objective value because it is the act of the Church, but its effect is not immediate in the way a sacrament’s effect is. Expecting instant results misunderstands Catholic teaching and risks treating the consecration like a magic act.
Those who expect immediate changes may lack faith. The effect of the Pope’s consecration, as Our Lady requested, will occur according to God’s wisdom and timing. As Our Lord told the apostles, it is not for us to know the times the Father has established. The effects may come gradually, step by step. Our task was to carry out Our Lady’s request; the outcome is left to God.