Consecration to Jesus Through Mary

Consecration to Jesus through Mary, commonly known as "Marian Consecration", is both an act and a way of life in which an individual embraces the gift given to us by Christ on the Cross of the Blessed Virgin Mary's maternal care. Personal consecration has been designated as the highest form of Marian devotion.

It is a practice that has existed for centuries; with elements of such a practice existing as early as the 4th century. 

Ultimately, it is an act of resignation to the will of the Blessed Mother, which is aligned with the will of God, and following the path of Christ by allowing her to form us into disciples and imitators of Christ. We give ourselves to the Virgin Mother to be our mother also. Just as the Son gave Himself to the Virgin Mary, so we too can embrace this path of life. 

It is not an act to take lightly. It requires prayer, discernment, and devotion, but is worth every moment of preparation.

Marian Consecration Class

Aside from the very ancient roots, it is a practice that has been promulgated as the quickest and surest way to holiness. 

An important aspect of this consecration is idea that all of our prayers, actions, and sacrifices are offered to Mary who then makes them more perfect, pure, and precious before presenting them to Christ. 

We are all called to pursue holiness in this life. Consecrating ourselves to the Mother of God is a very powerful method of walking the path to achieving holiness.

The Montfort Way

Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort is considered to be one of the earliest writers on the subject of Marian Consecration. From his strong devotion and zeal he was able to provide profound insights into devotion to the Blessed Mother; from which an entire religious order has was founded. St. Louis de Montfort never formalized a method of preparation, but rather an outline which has been built upon over the centuries. It is a preparation of 33 days split up over four movements (periods); renunciation of the world, knowledge of self, knowledge of Mary, and knowledge of Jesus Christ. The Montfort Fathers began a confraternity (organization) for the faithful who have consecrated themselves to Mary using the Montfort way: The Association of Mary, Queen of All Hearts. 

The Kolbe Method

Saint Maximilian Kolbe was able to provide profound insights in Marian devotion that focus around the Immaculate Conception. He taught that in order to achieve sanctity we must align our will with the Will of God. Consecration to Mary was a way to attaining such feat more easier. He took his love for the Virgin Mary and the Church, and combined it with his zeal to form the Militia Immaculata. An organization dedicated to the coming of the Kingdom of God by devotion to the Blessed Vrigin Mary by fighting for all souls and the Catholic Church. In St. Maximilian's "system," one consecrates oneself to Mary by joining the Militia Immaculata to help in the conversion of souls through the intercession of Our Lady. 

The Gaitley Approach

Father Michael Gaitley of the Marian Fathers of the Immacualte Conception is currently one of the most popular authors and speakers on Marian Consecration. His approach modernizes and synthesises teachings on Marian devotion and consecration into a 33 day process which can be spread over 6 weeks as a group retreat. In his approach Fr. Gaitley looks at the teachings of four saints with strong Marian devotion and teaching; St. Louis de Montfort, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Teresa of Calcutta, and St. Pope John Paul II. His writings and teachings point Marian Consecration as being strongly linked to Divine Mercy.

St. Laurence Catholic Church offers the Gaitley's retreat often. 

33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr. Michael Gaitley ISBN: 978-1596142442

Preparation for Total Consecration According to St. Louis de Montfort By Fr. Hugh Gillespie, SMM ISBN: 978-0910984072

Total Consecration to Mary: A Nine-day Preparation for Individuals or Groups in the Spirit of St. Maximilian Kolbe by Fr. Anslem Romb ISBN: 978-0913382134