THE IMPORTANCE OF
Marian Consecration BY ANNE COLLINS
The idea of consecrating oneself to Mary, or to “Jesus through Mary,” seems to be growing in popularity among Catholics. Why is this and what does it mean? Although Catholics throughout the centuries have been consecrating themselves to the Blessed Mother, it began to grow in popularity under the pontificate of Pope John Paul II. The Holy Father chose as his papal motto “Totus Tuus,” a phrase which means, “Totally Yours,” and is taken from the famous book on Marian consecration by St. Louis de Montfort, called True Devotion to Mary. According to St. Pope John Paul II, reading St. Louis de Montfort’s book and making his consecration to Mary at the age of 19 was a “decisive turning point” in his life. Another reason why Marian consecration is growing in popularity is due to the ease, beauty and simplicity of Father Michael Gaitley’s book on Marian consecration, called 33 Days to Morning Glory.
For some people, this step of Marian consecration is easy and comfortable, but for others, it represents something unusual, mysterious and even scary. Some people are worried that they are not worthy of it or that it will involve extra prayers and sacrifices. However, Marian consecration is not about who we are, what we have done or what we need to do, but rather it is about our hearts. It is as simple as a child needing and desiring the love and care of a mother who loves him beyond all telling. The Blessed Mother loves and cares for all her children, but by consecrating our lives to her, we are personally inviting her to “mother” us in a special and more powerful way. The Blessed Mother is waiting for this personal invitation. As a matter of fact, it was Our Lord’s idea. Jesus knew that life would be difficult, so He wanted to share His own Mother with us to help us. As His last gift on the Cross before He died, Jesus gave His Mother to His Beloved Disciple (St. John), who represents all baptized Christians. By this act – “Here is your son; here is your mother” – we become her spiritual children and she loves and cares for us. However, According to Pope Benedict XVI, when St. John “took her into his home,” it represents a personal action on the part of the Christian to take her into his “interior home,” his heart. This personal step is an important one and it represents Marian consecration.
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