Marian Consecration for the New Evangelization
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"Yes, if we want to become more fully Christ, then we need to belong more fully to Mary. By going to her and remaining with her, we allow her to accomplish her mission in us. We allow her to form us into other Christs, into great saints. But how do we do this? ... Simple. We say yes, just like she did." (Father Michael Gaitley, MIC) |
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Overview
Our act of consecration to Jesus through Mary centers ultimately on the Sacred Heart of our Lord. Mary, as the Mother of Christ, is wholly united to Jesus' redemptive mission. As at the wedding feast of Cana, when she said “Do whatever he tells you”, Mary directs all things to her Son, who answers our prayers and forgives our sins. Thus by dedicating ourselves to the heart of Mary, we discover a sure way to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and grow more in communion with the merciful love of our Saviour.
What is Marian consecration?
A Marian consecration flows from the grace of our Baptism, through which we were originally consecrated, or “set apart,” for Jesus Christ and grafted into His life in the Church. A Marian consecration is a further act of entrustment particularly to the heart of Mary. In this gesture, we ask Mary to dispose us to the will of God as she herself was perfectly disposed.
For the New Evangelization ...
The new evangelization is a call to continual conversion in Christ and the work of drawing others into this same life and communion in him. Marian consecration aids this work powerfully because it entrusts our lives and efforts to Mary, who directs everything perfectly to Christ. Through the hands of Mary, the Lord is able to work powerfully through us in drawing others back to himself.
How does it work?
The method of consecration set forth by St. Louis de Montfort consists of a 33-day period of prayerful preparation followed by the actual act of consecration itself which takes place on "Day 34." Day 34 of the consecration typically falls on a Marian Feast Day. (See schedule <HERE>)
33 day preparation
The 33-day preparation includes a preliminary period of twelve days during which one endeavors “to free one's self from the spirit of the world.” This initial 12 days is followed by a second period of three weeks. The first of these three weeks is devoted to the knowledge of ourselves, the second to that of the Blessed Virgin and the third to that of Jesus Christ.
Consecration
The object of this consecration is to cast off the spirit of the world, which is contrary to that of Jesus Christ, in order to acquire fully the spirit of Jesus Christ through the Blessed Mother. Hence the practices suggested by St. Louis de Montfort are: renouncement of the world
knowledge of self
knowledge of the Blessed Virgin, and
knowledge of Jesus Christ.
One "makes" his/her consecration To Jesus Through Mary on "Day 34" of the preparation - usually in a Church setting following the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is customary to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation within 7 days prior to the consecration.
Our act of consecration to Jesus through Mary centers ultimately on the Sacred Heart of our Lord. Mary, as the Mother of Christ, is wholly united to Jesus' redemptive mission. As at the wedding feast of Cana, when she said “Do whatever he tells you”, Mary directs all things to her Son, who answers our prayers and forgives our sins. Thus by dedicating ourselves to the heart of Mary, we discover a sure way to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and grow more in communion with the merciful love of our Saviour.
What is Marian consecration?
A Marian consecration flows from the grace of our Baptism, through which we were originally consecrated, or “set apart,” for Jesus Christ and grafted into His life in the Church. A Marian consecration is a further act of entrustment particularly to the heart of Mary. In this gesture, we ask Mary to dispose us to the will of God as she herself was perfectly disposed.
For the New Evangelization ...
The new evangelization is a call to continual conversion in Christ and the work of drawing others into this same life and communion in him. Marian consecration aids this work powerfully because it entrusts our lives and efforts to Mary, who directs everything perfectly to Christ. Through the hands of Mary, the Lord is able to work powerfully through us in drawing others back to himself.
How does it work?
The method of consecration set forth by St. Louis de Montfort consists of a 33-day period of prayerful preparation followed by the actual act of consecration itself which takes place on "Day 34." Day 34 of the consecration typically falls on a Marian Feast Day. (See schedule <HERE>)
33 day preparation
The 33-day preparation includes a preliminary period of twelve days during which one endeavors “to free one's self from the spirit of the world.” This initial 12 days is followed by a second period of three weeks. The first of these three weeks is devoted to the knowledge of ourselves, the second to that of the Blessed Virgin and the third to that of Jesus Christ.
Consecration
The object of this consecration is to cast off the spirit of the world, which is contrary to that of Jesus Christ, in order to acquire fully the spirit of Jesus Christ through the Blessed Mother. Hence the practices suggested by St. Louis de Montfort are: renouncement of the world
knowledge of self
knowledge of the Blessed Virgin, and
knowledge of Jesus Christ.
One "makes" his/her consecration To Jesus Through Mary on "Day 34" of the preparation - usually in a Church setting following the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is customary to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation within 7 days prior to the consecration.
Suggested Resources:
Preparation for Total Consecration, St. Louis de Montfort
Pope John Paul II said that his spiritual life was profoundly influenced by the writings of St. Louis de Montfort. This consecration, “to Jesus through Mary,” has the traditional 33-day preparation program that ends on a Marian feast day. The prayers and meditations can be simplified for parish use. See www.my consecration.org or Rosary Army for more information.
Pope John Paul II said that his spiritual life was profoundly influenced by the writings of St. Louis de Montfort. This consecration, “to Jesus through Mary,” has the traditional 33-day preparation program that ends on a Marian feast day. The prayers and meditations can be simplified for parish use. See www.my consecration.org or Rosary Army for more information.
33 Days to Morning Glory, Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC
This book presents a unique 33-day preparation for consecration program based on the spirituality of St. Louis de Montfort, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Teresa of Calcutta, and St. Pope John Paul II - all in the form of a 33-day do-it-yourself retreat - appropriate for individual as well as parish use. For more information on this program for parish evangelization see: www.allheartsafire.org.
Listen to an interview with Father Michael Gaitley, MIC, as he goes "Inside the Pages" with Kris McGregor on www.DiscerningHearts.com
This book presents a unique 33-day preparation for consecration program based on the spirituality of St. Louis de Montfort, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Teresa of Calcutta, and St. Pope John Paul II - all in the form of a 33-day do-it-yourself retreat - appropriate for individual as well as parish use. For more information on this program for parish evangelization see: www.allheartsafire.org.
Listen to an interview with Father Michael Gaitley, MIC, as he goes "Inside the Pages" with Kris McGregor on www.DiscerningHearts.com
| fr._michael_gaitley_mic__inside_the_pages.mp3 |
Audio - True Devotion to Mary
St. Louis de Montfort's classic work on Marian consecration, True Devotion to Mary, provides a well-trod path to the profound graces that the Lord offers through Mary's prayers for those who trust in her intercession. In this presentation, Fr. Lance Harlow offers clear and insightful commentary drawn from the Saint's text to help explain this consecration to Jesus through Mary and the spiritual effects one can expect. This will greatly benefit all who are interested in Marion consecration.
Visit www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org
St. Louis de Montfort's classic work on Marian consecration, True Devotion to Mary, provides a well-trod path to the profound graces that the Lord offers through Mary's prayers for those who trust in her intercession. In this presentation, Fr. Lance Harlow offers clear and insightful commentary drawn from the Saint's text to help explain this consecration to Jesus through Mary and the spiritual effects one can expect. This will greatly benefit all who are interested in Marion consecration.
Visit www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org
Father John Hardon, SJ
For a spiritual reflection by Father Hardon on Consecration to Our Lady, visit The Real Presence website: <HERE>.
For a spiritual reflection by Father Hardon on Consecration to Our Lady, visit The Real Presence website: <HERE>.
Consecration to Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary
(based on the prayer of St. Louis de Montfort)
O most lovable Jesus, only Son of God and son of Mary, I adore you.
Thank you for setting me free from sin and inviting me to Heaven through your Life, Death, and Resurrection.
I praise you for obeying your Mother Mary in all things. On this day, I want to belong to Mary as you do.
Immaculate Mary, Queen of heaven and earth, I offer myself, soul and body, to your Most Immaculate Heart.
I consecrate myself to you: all that I have and all that I am. I give to you my past, my present, and my future.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, I give you full rights over me, to arrange everything in my life according to God’s will.
Immaculate Mary, I make myself your servant and I ask you to present me to Jesus and to make me his true follower.
Virgin Mother of God, please protect and guide my path to Heaven,
and ensure that I will live my life in the state of grace until the hour of my death.
Amen.
(based on the prayer of St. Louis de Montfort)
O most lovable Jesus, only Son of God and son of Mary, I adore you.
Thank you for setting me free from sin and inviting me to Heaven through your Life, Death, and Resurrection.
I praise you for obeying your Mother Mary in all things. On this day, I want to belong to Mary as you do.
Immaculate Mary, Queen of heaven and earth, I offer myself, soul and body, to your Most Immaculate Heart.
I consecrate myself to you: all that I have and all that I am. I give to you my past, my present, and my future.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, I give you full rights over me, to arrange everything in my life according to God’s will.
Immaculate Mary, I make myself your servant and I ask you to present me to Jesus and to make me his true follower.
Virgin Mother of God, please protect and guide my path to Heaven,
and ensure that I will live my life in the state of grace until the hour of my death.
Amen.