I haven’t posted here in more than a month. Lately, I haven’t been feeling worthy to be writing about Mary, the Mother of God. Why? Because as much as I’d like to think of myself as “devoted,” so many others have consecrated their whole lives to Our Lady. I used to think praying was enough.
Consecrating one’s life to the Virgin Mary is a big commitment.
“True Devotion to Mary: With Preparation for Total Consecration,” the book by St. Louis de Montfort, is the “bible” on this subject. Many popes have turned to it for inspiration, including Pope John Paul II who is cited in the first few pages as saying,
“The reading of this book was a decisive turning point in my life.”
– Pope John Paul II
According to the book, “Pope Leo VIII granted a plenary indulgence to those who make St. Louis de Montfort’s act of consecration to the Blessed Virgin. On his deathbed, he renewed the act himself and invoked the heavenly aid of St. Louis de Montfort, whom he had beatified in 1888.”
The first part of the book explains why taking this major step – giving one’s life to Mary – sets us on a path to a more united life with Jesus. It also says that consecrating one’s life to Mary returns many graces to the person who has committed.
The second part of “True Devotion to Mary” explains how one actually goes about consecrating their life; the steps you should take to prepare for committing, and then proclaiming that you belong to Our Lady.
It’s a commitment you don’t want to break. But how do you know you won’t stumble, or even quit?
Think about Mary for inspiration; about her faith and her unwavering commitment to God.
She was just a teenager when the Angel Gabriel asked her, on God’s behalf, to bear the savior of the world. And she said yes. She asked how it would be possible since she had no relations with a man, but that was it. That was the only question. Then her answer:
“Let it be done to me according to your word.”
– The Virgin Mary / Luke 1:38
Mary believed. She simply believed what God had foretold through the prophets was the truth and that she had been invited to be a part of the world’s salvation.
As her life unfolded, and despite all her sorrows (seven of her sorrows were so profound she personally asked us to reflect on them each day), she never expressed regret. She never said she wasn’t sure she’d be able to follow through. She never quit. It was too important.
Note: On this day, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, read about this most important feast day in the Catholic faith. It is not the day we celebrate the conception of Jesus.
I am hoping to bring more knowledge about the Virgin Mary to the world, especially during these times when we need her most. Please consider sharing this post, this site, or its social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. I invite you to subscribe to this site (below) to be notified of new posts. Thank you.
searchingforthevirginmary.com 