One way to deepen our devotion to Mary is through the act of consecration. Consecration means “to make holy,” and when we consecrate ourselves to Mary, we dedicate ourselves to her and entrust ourselves to her care. This act of consecration can be made through prayer, and there are many different prayers that can be used for this purpose.
One powerful consecration prayer to Mary is the one written by Saint Louis de Montfort. This prayer, known as the Total Consecration to Mary, is a 33-day preparation prayer that culminates in the consecration itself. This prayer can be done as an individual or as a group, and it is a powerful way to entrust oneself to the care of the Mother of God.
During the 33 days of preparation, the individual or group meditates on the virtues of Mary, asks for her intercession, and seeks to imitate her example. These 33 days are divided into three parts, each focusing on a different aspect of Mary’s life and virtues. The first part focuses on the virtues of humility, faith, and devotion. The second part focuses on the virtues of purity, love, and wisdom. The third part focuses on the virtues of obedience, poverty, and patience.
At the end of the 33 days, the individual or group makes the Total Consecration to Mary. This consecration prayer involves a formal declaration of dedication to Mary, and an offering of oneself to her care. It is a powerful moment of surrender and trust, as one places oneself entirely into the hands of the Mother of God.
The Total Consecration to Mary is not the only consecration prayer that Catholics can use to deepen their devotion to the Mother of God. There are many other prayers and devotions that honor Mary and seek her intercession. These include the Rosary, the Angelus, the Hail Mary, and the Memorare. Each of these prayers has been developed and passed down over generations of Catholics, and they continue to be a powerful source of spiritual strength and inspiration for us today.
Consecrating oneself to Mary is not a one-time event or a single act of devotion. It is a lifelong commitment to living in the footsteps of the Mother of God, seeking her guidance and intercession, and trusting in her care. It is a way of deepening our relationship with God by drawing closer to the one who bore our Savior and nurtured him in his early years.
In conclusion, the act of consecration to Mary is a powerful way to deepen our devotion to the Mother of God. It is a lifelong commitment to entrust ourselves to her care, seeking her intercession and guidance in all aspects of our lives. Whether we use the Total Consecration to Mary or other prayers and devotions, the important thing is to turn to Mary as a powerful intercessor and model of faith, and to seek her help in drawing closer to God.