Pope Francis Consecrated Russia and Ukraine to Pagan Pachamama?
Justin Haggerty | The Daily Knight
After Pope Francis' public consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication published a statement on the “Earth of Heaven” reference in some non-English translations of Pope Francis’ consecration prayer.
English Translation:
Therefore, O Mother, hear our prayer.
Star of the Sea, do not let us be shipwrecked in the tempest of war.
Ark of the New Covenant, inspire projects and paths of reconciliation.
Queen of Heaven, restore God’s peace to the world.
Italian Translation:
Accogli dunque, o Madre, questa nostra supplica.
Tu, stella del mare, non lasciarci naufragare nella tempesta della guerra.
Tu, arca della nuova alleanza, ispira progetti e vie di riconciliazione.
Tu, “terra del Cielo,” riporta la concordia di Dio nel mondo.
The Italian text for the consecration contained “terra del Cielo,” which does not translate into English as “Queen of Heaven," but as “earth of Heaven,” or “Heaven’s earth." The correct translation should have been "Regina del Cielo." Many faithful Catholics and clergy have taken this incorrect translation to reference the pagan idol, pachamama, which was sacrilegiously venerated on the Vatican grounds in October, 2018.
Published by Vatican News on March 25, the Dicastery for Communication explained the Byzantine-Slavic origins of the title “Earth of Heaven" as such:
“The expression ‘Earth of Heaven’ is taken from a Byzantine-Slavic monastic hymn, and it poetically signifies the union of heaven and earth that we can contemplate in Mary assumed bodily into Heaven,” stated the dicastery.
Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, wrote his concerns via Twitter on March 24th:
“There are questions about some translations in other languages. We must ensure that all translations are accurate & honor Mary, Queen of Heaven."
One Peter Five released an interesting article, by Diane Montagna, illustrating an interview with Bishop Athanasius Schneider, Astana, Kazakhstan, and his explanation and theological opinion of the translations.
"In the Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the expression “terra del Cielo” [from the Italian original] has been translated into the Romance languages (Portuguese, Spanish, French) in the same way," Bishop Schneider explained in his interview with Montagna.
"In German, it has been translated: “Du Irdische im Himmel” (i.e., You are the earthly one in Heaven). In many Slavonic languages, and in Russian, it has been translated: “heavenly earth”; in Slovak: “earth from heaven”; and in Polish: “earth of heaven.” And as you note, in English it has been translated “Queen of Heaven,” when a more accurate rendering would be “Heaven’s earth” or, more literally, “earth of Heaven."
The editor of One Peter Five continued in depth to relate "terra del cielo" to Genesis in Sacred Scripture, and St. John Chrysostom's "virgin" description of the Garden, St. Ephrem the Syrian's "virgin earth," St. John Damascene's "God-bearing earth," and St. Peter Damian's veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary as "you are the heavenly earth."
Bishop Schneider continued:
“In comparison with the wording of the two previous acts of consecration, made by Pope Pius XII (in 1952) and by Pope John Paul II (in 1984), the words and form of the consecration that will be used by Pope Francis on March 25 more clearly express the requests of Our Lady of Fatima. Pope Francis has even added the word “solemnly” to “consecrate,” an expression lacking in the formulas of 1952 and 1984:
1952: “in a very special way, we consecrate all the peoples of Russia to the same Immaculate Heart” (Apostolic Letter of Pius XII, SACRO VERGENTE ANNO, Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary)
1984: “O Mother of men and peoples … In a special way we entrust to you and consecrate to you those men and nations who are in particular need of this entrustment and consecration.” (Pope John Paul II, Consecration of Men and Nations)
2022: Mother of God and our Mother, to your Immaculate Heart we solemnly entrust and consecrate ourselves, the Church and all humanity, especially Russia and Ukraine (Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary)."
Read here for the full exclusive interview with Bishop Schneider, by Diane Montagna.
In light of the translation issues, spreading doubt in the validity of the consecration, many faithful Catholics, priests, and clergy have voiced concerns whether or not the consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary would fulfill Our Lady's request at Fatima, Portugal in 1917.
Priests like Fr. Isaac Mary Relyea have publicly and boldly proclaimed that "the consecration will not be accepted" by the Holy Mother, and that her particular intercession against modernism, the synthesis of all heresies, will continue to be withheld.
Whether or not the consecration will be received by her Immaculate Heart is up to God, her Son; nevertheless, the confusion and uncertainty remains to confirm the presence and innerworkings of the "smoke of satan."
In Christ Crucified and the Most Victorious Heart of Jesus.