Bishop Peter Libasci of Manchester, New Hampshire, is inviting children, families — and the wider flock — to join him in a consecration to Jesus through Mary, following the spirit of St. Thérèse.

“This is a journey perfect for families, as both adults and children can participate,” says Blythe Kaufman, speaking about the 33-day consecration journey that Bishop Libasci will lead for his diocese. The book he — and everyone participating — will use is Child Consecration: To Jesus through Mary Following in the Spirit of St. Thérèse, the Little Flower.

The consecration journey begins April 10 and concludes May 13 with a special Mass and consecration at the Cathedral of St. Joseph. Bishop Libasci invites everyone — children, families and individuals — to take part. He will lead each day’s readings and prayers, livestreamed from the cathedral. All 25 diocesan schools will participate, and all parishes and faith-formation programs have been invited to join the consecration.

People beyond the diocese are also welcome to join, “because this will also be broadcast,” emphasizes Kaufman, founder of the Children’s Rosary. The livestream will allow participants to make the consecration along with those in the Diocese of Manchester.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to make a personal consecration to Jesus through Mary, guided by one of our shepherds,” Kaufman says.

Manchester is the ninth diocese worldwide to use Child Consecration: To Jesus through Mary (see in English and Spanish) for its people.

Consecration Crosses Continents

This 33-day consecration journey was recently completed in Derry, Ireland, led by Bishop Donal McKeown.

“It was a tremendous success, with over 1,000 individuals and families participating in the live broadcasts,” Kaufman says. “Bishop Donal and shepherds of the diocese took turns leading the evenings in prayer. Bishop Donal even traveled to the Knock Shrine to lead two of the evenings.”

Bishop Libasci will be the ninth Bishop to use the book for his diocese. The first was Bishop John Keenan of Paisley, Scotland, who shared his experience: “This consecration has been one of the loveliest things of my priesthood. There is something of heaven about this consecration and I pray many individuals and families may consider taking up this book. I also humbly invite shepherds to consider leading their flock in this consecration. A great harvest lies ahead.”

Other bishops then followed — Archbishop Leo Cushley of Edinburgh and St. Andrews, Scotland; Bishop Frank Caggiano of Bridgeport, Connecticut; Archbishop Leonard Blair of Hartford, Connecticut, who also gave the consecration book an imprimatur; Bishop Kevin Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana; Bishop Oliver Doeme of Maiduguri, Nigeria; Bishop Philip Dung of Shendam, Nigeria; and Bishop Noel Pedregosa of Malaybalay, Philippines.

Additionally, this particular consecration is endorsed and recommended by Cardinal Robert Sarah and Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke.

Locally, Manchester’s director of Catholic identity and missions for Catholic schools, Sister Mary Rose Reddy — a sister for 44 years — said in a statement that she is “thrilled to advocate for the Children’s Consecration to Jesus through Mary and the Children’s Rosary.”

Our Blessed Mother “requested that the children and all of us pray the Rosary and be consecrated to her Immaculate Heart. Now in 2025, when each of us, and especially our children, are facing so many anxieties, we have this beautiful opportunity to be consecrated to Jesus through Mary and to inaugurate the Children’s Rosary in all our Catholic schools and parishes. Although these initiatives are geared toward children, people of all ages are welcome to join the consecration journey and the Children’s Rosary. Our Blessed Mother Mary desires to bring the peace of Jesus Christ her Son into all our hearts through her inestimable power of intercession with him.”

Children’s Rosary Prayer Groups

Alongside the consecration effort, the Diocese of Manchester is also launching Children's Rosary prayer groups in all of its diocesan schools.

For the consecration, Bishop Libasci will lead each night’s readings and prayers via livestream from the cathedral at 7:00 p.m. ET. According to the full schedule, prayer time will shift to 4:30 p.m. ET during Holy Week.

“This consecration journey represents a timely opportunity during the Jubilee year for individuals, families and children to make a 33-day consecration journey led by a shepherd of the Church,” Kaufman says. “This journey helps souls grow in simplicity, confidence and trust. I pray many will unite with Bishop Libasci, no matter where they are from.”