consecration to mary st louis de montfort pdf

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Consecration to Mary⁚ St. Louis de Montfort

St. Louis de Montfort, a profound devotee of the Blessed Virgin Mary, developed a 33-day program for Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary. This devotion, outlined in his writings, aims for perfect union with Christ.

What is Consecration to Mary According to St. Louis de Montfort?

According to St. Louis de Montfort, consecration to Mary is the most perfect devotion, involving a total giving of oneself to Mary as a means to belong more fully to Jesus Christ. It’s not merely an external act, but a profound interior transformation.

Montfort emphasizes that this consecration is essentially a renewal of baptismal vows, renouncing Satan and embracing Christ. Through Mary’s intercession and guidance, individuals strive to imitate her virtues and grow closer to Jesus.

He clarifies that consecration to Mary is not worshipping her, but rather recognizing her unique role in God’s plan of salvation. By entrusting oneself to Mary, one gains her maternal care and assistance in living a life of holiness, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with Jesus, the Incarnate Wisdom.

This consecration involves a complete offering of one’s body, soul, possessions, and merits, both past, present, and future, to Mary. She, in turn, uses these gifts for the greater glory of God and the salvation of souls, acting as a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to her.

The Essence of True Devotion to Mary

The essence of true devotion to Mary, according to St. Louis de Montfort, lies in recognizing her pivotal role as the Mother of God and Mediatrix of all graces. It is a devotion that leads directly to Jesus Christ, the ultimate object of all Christian worship and love.

True devotion to Mary is interior, proceeding from the heart and mind, rooted in a deep understanding of her virtues and her unique relationship with the Holy Trinity. It’s not superficial or fleeting but a constant disposition of the soul.

Furthermore, it is trusting, relying on her maternal care and intercession in all circumstances. It is also constant, persevering through trials and temptations, never wavering in love and fidelity to her. True devotion is also holy, inspiring one to imitate her virtues and to live a life of sanctity.

Finally, true devotion to Mary is disinterested, seeking not personal gain but rather the glory of God and the salvation of souls. It is a love that mirrors her own, a selfless and unwavering commitment to the will of God.

The 33-Day Preparation

St. Louis de Montfort outlines a 33-day preparation for Total Consecration, involving specific readings, prayers, and meditations designed to purify the soul and foster a deeper relationship with Mary.

Overview of the 33-Day Method

The 33-Day Method, as taught by St. Louis de Montfort, is a structured spiritual journey designed to prepare individuals for Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary. It is a time of prayer, meditation, and self-reflection, aiming to empty oneself of worldly attachments and cultivate a deeper understanding of God’s love. This method involves daily readings, specific prayers, and an examination of conscience; The culmination of this preparation is the Act of Consecration, typically performed on a Marian feast day. The process involves embracing a spirit of gratitude, esteem, respect, and love for the Virgin Mary, seeking to imitate her virtues. The ultimate goal is to allow Mary to guide the soul to a closer union with Jesus Christ, fostering a life lived incessantly for Him.

The Four Stages of Preparation

St. Louis de Montfort’s 33-day preparation for Total Consecration is thoughtfully divided into four distinct stages, each designed to purify and enlighten the soul. The initial twelve days focus on emptying oneself of the spirit of the world, detaching from worldly values. The first week centers on gaining knowledge of oneself, acknowledging one’s strengths and weaknesses. The second week is dedicated to deepening one’s understanding and love for Mary, recognizing her role in salvation history. Finally, the third week is devoted to acquiring a profound knowledge of Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Wisdom. These stages are meant to work together and are designed to help the individual be closer to Jesus through Mary.

First Stage⁚ Emptying Oneself of the Spirit of the World (12 Days)

The initial stage of St. Louis de Montfort’s 33-day preparation spans twelve days, focusing on “emptying oneself of the spirit of the world.” This involves renouncing worldly values, attachments, and distractions that hinder a deeper relationship with God. It is a period of detachment from the pomps and works of Satan. This means actively combating temptations and seeking to align one’s desires with God’s will. This phase prepares the heart to receive the graces necessary for true consecration. During this time, individuals engage in specific prayers and meditations designed to foster humility and a desire for heavenly things, thus paving the way for deeper spiritual growth in the subsequent stages of preparation.

Second Stage⁚ Knowledge of Self (First Week)

Following the initial cleansing, the second stage, lasting one week, centers on “knowledge of self.” This crucial phase requires honest self-reflection, acknowledging one’s weaknesses, sins, and limitations. Recognizing our dependence on God is paramount. It is a time for humility and seeking forgiveness through confession, if needed. By understanding our own nothingness and proneness to sin, we can better appreciate God’s mercy and the need for His grace. This stage prepares us to rely less on ourselves and more on divine assistance in our spiritual journey. Understanding ourselves helps us understand our need for Mary.

Third Stage⁚ Knowledge of Mary (Second Week)

The second week of the 33-day preparation is devoted to gaining “knowledge of Mary.” This involves understanding her unique role in salvation history and her profound virtues. We delve into her Immaculate Conception, her role as the Mother of God, and her perfect obedience to God’s will. Meditating on her humility, faith, and love helps us to imitate her virtues in our own lives. Learning about Mary deepens our appreciation for her intercessory power and her ability to lead us closer to Jesus. Through Mary, we come to know Jesus better, and she can help us towards God.

Fourth Stage⁚ Knowledge of Jesus Christ (Third Week)

The third week of the 33-day preparation focuses on acquiring “knowledge of Jesus Christ.” This stage involves meditating on the life, teachings, and mysteries of Jesus. We contemplate His Incarnation, His Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension. Through prayer and reflection, we seek a deeper understanding of His divine nature and His immense love for humanity. We study the Gospels and strive to imitate His virtues of humility, obedience, charity, and self-sacrifice. Coming closer to Jesus, we learn how to better serve him, and seek his forgiveness.

The Act of Consecration

After the 33-day preparation, the Act of Consecration is performed. This formal consecration, akin to a vow, is ideally done on a Marian feast day, completing the spiritual journey.

When to Perform the Act of Consecration

The Act of Consecration, the culmination of the 33-day preparation, is ideally performed on a Marian feast day. This timing holds special significance, aligning your consecration with a day already dedicated to honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary. Choosing a major Marian feast enhances the spiritual impact of your commitment.

It is recommended to complete the 33-day preparation so that the actual consecration falls on the chosen feast day. This synchronicity deepens the meaning of your consecration, linking it to the Church’s liturgical calendar and the broader devotion to Mary.

Consider attending Mass on the day of your consecration, receiving Communion, and going to confession either the week before or after. These acts further solidify your commitment and prepare your soul for this profound spiritual undertaking. Remember, once made, the consecration is intended to be a lifelong commitment.

The Consecration Prayer

The heart of the Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary, according to St. Louis de Montfort, lies in the Act of Consecration prayer. This prayer is a formal and solemn commitment, a renewal of baptismal vows, and a complete offering of oneself to Jesus through Mary’s hands.

The prayer acknowledges Jesus as the Eternal and Incarnate Wisdom, true God and true man, and recognizes Mary as the ever-virgin Mother of God. By reciting this prayer, you renounce Satan and his works, offering yourself entirely to Jesus Christ, to carry your cross after Him all the days of your life.

The Act of Consecration prayer can be found in various books dedicated to St. Louis de Montfort’s teachings, including “True Devotion to Mary.” It is recommended to read and meditate on the prayer before reciting it on your chosen Marian feast day, understanding the depth and significance of each word.

Living the Consecration

Consecration is not a one-time event. It is a lifelong journey of growing closer to Jesus through Mary. Living the consecration involves daily practices and devotion to Mary.

Daily Practices After Consecration

After completing the Act of Consecration, embracing certain daily practices is vital for nurturing the spiritual life and remaining faithful to the vows made. Reciting the Rosary is a powerful way to honor Mary and meditate on the life of Christ. Additionally, renewing one’s consecration daily, even with a simple prayer, reinforces the commitment made.

Wearing a symbol like a Miraculous Medal can serve as a constant reminder of Mary’s presence and protection. Striving to imitate Mary’s virtues, such as humility, obedience, and charity, in daily interactions is also essential. Furthermore, incorporating Marian prayers into one’s daily routine strengthens the bond with the Blessed Mother. Regular confession and partaking in the Eucharist help to maintain a state of grace and deepen the union with Jesus through Mary.

Benefits of Consecration

Consecration to Mary, according to St. Louis de Montfort, offers numerous spiritual benefits. It leads to a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ, as Mary always directs us to her Son. It grants a greater intimacy with Mary, the Mother of God, who intercedes for us. Consecration also strengthens our faith and resolve to follow God’s will. It provides increased protection from evil, as Mary is a powerful advocate against the temptations of the world.

Furthermore, it cultivates virtues and promotes spiritual growth, as we strive to imitate Mary’s example. It also fosters a greater love for the Church and a desire to serve others. Ultimately, consecration to Mary helps us to become more like Christ and attain eternal salvation. It brings peace, joy, and a sense of belonging to God’s family.

Marian Feast Days

Marian feast days hold special significance for those consecrated to Mary, offering opportunities for renewed devotion and celebration. These days commemorate key events in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary and serve as reminders of her unique role in salvation history. Some prominent feast days include the Immaculate Conception, celebrating Mary’s freedom from original sin; the Annunciation, marking the angel’s visit and Mary’s acceptance of her role as the Mother of God; and the Assumption, commemorating Mary’s bodily ascent into Heaven.

Other important Marian feasts include the Nativity of Mary, the Visitation, the Presentation of Mary, and the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. Celebrating these feast days deepens our connection with Mary, strengthens our faith, and inspires us to imitate her virtues. These are opportunities to attend Mass, pray the Rosary, and reflect on Mary’s life.