Father Invites Parish to Participate in "Total Consecration to Mary"

Total Consecration to Mary, explains St. Louis de Monfort, “consists in surrendering oneself in the manner of a slave to Mary, and to Jesus through her, and then performing all our actions with Mary, in Mary, through Mary, and for Mary” (The Secret of Mary, No. 28). It is also known as “True Devotion to Mary,” “Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary,” and “Holy Slavery.”  The Lord has been inspiring me to begin this total consecration to coincide with the closing of our Diocesan Marian Year (December 8).  I invite our entire parish to make this total consecration to Mary with me, consecrating ourselves and our parish to Mary.  According to St. Louis de Monfort, “True Devotion to Mary is nothing more than the perfect and certain and shortest way to live our baptismal vows.”  Each day, beginning November 5, those in preparation will pray certain prescribed prayers and meditations until December 8 when, during the 7pm & 9:30am Masses we will officially complete the consecration with a ceremony.  By making this consecration to Mary, you are placing yourself completely and totally in her hands. You are giving her permission to form you, discipline you, and mold you into a true follower of Christ. Do not be afraid, though, because she loves you. She will always take care of you, and knows better than anybody how to do so. It is always good to remember her words to St. Juan Diego in Mexico, "Hear and let it penetrate into your heart, my dear little son: let nothing discourage you, nothing depress you: let nothing alter your heart or your countenance. Also do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain. Am I not here who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not your fountain of life? Are you not in the folds of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Is there anything else that you need?"  For more information visit: www.totalconsecration.ageofmary.com and click on "Total Consecration."