March 23, 2022 | As photos of devastation and war lead headlines across the world, it’s an image taken during Mass in Brandon, Fl that’s uniting thousands in prayers and bringing hope to those in despair. Almost 200,000 people have seen the image on the Diocese of St. Petersburg Facebook and Instagram pages. Also, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops shared the post on its Facebook page.

The image is a still shot from a video recorded during Mass at Nativity Parish in Brandon on Ash Wednesday, March 2, 2022. It quickly went viral after it was posted on the parish Facebook page and then the Diocese of St. Petersburg social media pages. The image shows Father John Tapp, pastor of Nativity, celebrating the Mass as the sun entered the church through stained glass windows in blue and yellow rays, which were associated with the colors of the Ukrainian flag.

“I saw rays of light. To me it was like a rainbow. I was not thinking of the Ukraine flag yet. But I was praying for Ukraine,” said Alma Webber, parishioner who recorded the video.

“But I realized that when I got home, I said, oh my goodness I can see the Ukraine flag,” she added.

Late February, as the war in Ukraine loomed, Pope Francis made a plea to Catholics and all people of goodwill to unite in prayer and fasting March 2nd, to coincide with Ash Wednesday. Webber said that day, the situation in Ukraine weighed heavy in her heart and she was there to join in the Holy Father’s call.

“I was praying not only for Ukraine but also for Russia, for conversion,” she said.

While fulfilling her duties as the Women’s Guild historian and photographer, Webber took out her phone to record the Mass. She asked the Lord for a sign that could touch people’s hearts, bring them hope and invite them to pray more. What she captured has done just that and thousands have reacted to the post.

“Thank you for capturing God's beauty,” read one comment, “The Spirit is always present in our lives. And once in a while, our sight is clear enough to see,” said another.

“I'm happy that people are sharing it and talking about it,” said Webber, “I just took a picture. The Holy Spirit is spreading it.”

As Pope Francis and bishops around the world prepare to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Webber urges everyone to keep praying.

“We have to pray all the time,” she said. “Not only when it's a bad situation, but even in good times.”

At the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Bishop Gregory Parkes will join Pope Francis and bishops around the world in the Consecration of Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The prayer service will be held March 25th, at Noon, at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg. The service will be live streamed on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/DioStPete and at www.dosp.org/livestream. If you are unable to attend, Bishop Parkes asks all Catholics and people of goodwill to join in prayer at noon Friday, March 25th in a show of solidarity.