Consecration to Mary

Consecration to Mary is the act of entrusting oneself entirely to the maternal care and intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a profound expression of devotion, trust, and love for our heavenly Mother, who leads us to her Son Jesus Christ. This practice has been part of the Catholic tradition for centuries and has been recommended by many saints, including St. Louis de Montfort, St. Maximilian Kolbe, and Pope St. John Paul II. In this article, we will explore the meaning of consecration to Mary and its significance for our spiritual growth and mission in life.

What is Consecration to Mary?

Consecration to Mary is not a magical formula or a way of worshiping Mary as if she were a divine figure. On the contrary, it is a personal and conscious decision to acknowledge her as our spiritual Mother, who loves us and cares for us as her own children. The act of consecration involves a period of preparation, usually forty days, in which we reflect on our relationship with God and our need for Mary’s intercession. This preparation may include prayer, fasting, reading spiritual books, and receiving the sacraments of Confession and Holy Communion. On the day of consecration, we offer ourselves as a gift to Mary, saying a prayer of consecration or using a formal text approved by the Church.

The act of consecration is not a one-time event, but a lifelong commitment to deepen our relationship with Mary and to follow her example of faith, humility, and obedience. It is a way of integrating our Marian devotion into our daily life, by praying the Rosary, wearing the scapular, visiting Marian shrines, and invoking her help in times of need. Consecration to Mary is not a substitute for our relationship with Jesus Christ, but a means of enhancing it, by allowing Mary to guide us to her Son and to help us imitate His virtues.

Why Consecrate to Mary?

Consecration to Mary is a powerful way to grow in holiness and to fulfill our mission as disciples of Christ. By entrusting ourselves to Mary’s care, we open our hearts to her maternal love and guidance, which leads us to a deeper intimacy with God. Mary is not only the Mother of God but also the Mother of the Church, who accompanies us in our journey of faith and intercedes for us before the throne of her Son. She is the perfect model of discipleship, who teaches us how to listen to God’s word, to serve others with humility, and to persevere in times of trial. Consecration to Mary is a way of becoming like her, by allowing her virtues to shape our lives and by giving her permission to transform us according to God’s will.

Moreover, consecration to Mary is a way of participating in the mission of the Church, which is to evangelize the world and to bring Christ to all people. Mary is the first disciple and the Queen of Apostles, who cooperated with the Holy Spirit in the work of salvation and who continues to inspire and encourage us to share the Gospel with others. Through our consecration to Mary, we become part of her army of prayer warriors, who intercede for the Church and for the world, especially for those who are most in need. Mary is the refuge of sinners and the comfort of the afflicted, who invites us to join her in the mission of mercy and compassion.

Conclusion

Consecration to Mary is a beautiful and enriching practice, which helps us to deepen our relationship with God and to grow in holiness. It is not a requirement for salvation, but a means of grace, which enables us to cooperate with God’s plan of salvation and to fulfill our vocation in life. By consecrating ourselves to Mary, we entrust our past, present, and future to her maternal care, and we allow her to lead us to her Son, who is the way, the truth, and the life. May we all embrace this path of consecration, and may Mary’s intercession always guide and bless us.