Poland’s bishops consecrated the Church in the country to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Tuesday in the presence of the president and prime minister.

Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki, president of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, celebrated the Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Zakopane, at which clergy and faithful pledged to defend marriage, protect the rights of the unborn and resist “moral decay”.

The Mass was attended by president Andrzej Duda, prime minister Beata Szydło, members of the government, MPs and representatives from local government.

Each diocese and parish in the country will also perform the consecration on September 8, the feast of the Nativity of Mary.

In November, President Duda was also present when the country’s bishops proclaimed Christ as King of Poland in November last year.