Welcome Back to Marian Devotions!

This week we will dive into Marian Consecration.

My mother, as I mentioned in a previous blog post, was greatly devoted to Mary, so it was only natural that I felt a similar compulsion to follow in her compassionate and faith-filled footsteps. As I became more deeply enamored with our beloved Mama Mary, I embarked on a meaningful quest to learn all I could about the rich teachings and traditions that the Church holds dear regarding Marian devotion. In the course of my exploration, I stumbled upon the profound motto, “Totus Tuus,” which beautifully encapsulates St. Pope John Paul II’s unwavering devotion and unyielding love for the Blessed Mother—his deep affection for her was truly undeniable and admirable. Pope John Paul II was a devoted follower of Mary and consecrated himself to her throughout his life, beginning in his youth as a child and continuing through to his papacy. His devotion to Mary was so great that he adopted the heartfelt motto “Totus Tuus Maria,” which translates to “Totally Yours Mary.” In his thoughtful teachings, he reflects on the origins and significance of this powerful motto with great care, insight, and reverence. Saint Louis de Montfort's understanding of Marian consecration is deeply rooted in the Gospel, particularly highlighting the life of Jesus and his profound dependence on Mary throughout his ministry and divine mission.

Montfort firmly believed that in order to fully follow Jesus and sincerely embrace His mission, one must first journey through Mary, allowing her to guide their hearts. This devotion, often referred to as "True Devotion" or "The Holy Slavery," is eloquently articulated in his renowned work, the Treatise on True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin. It is significant to note that “Totus Tuus” was inspired by the heartfelt words of St. Louis de Montfort’s influential text on Marian Consecration, wherein he reveals the depth of this spiritual commitment to the Blessed Virgin Mary. So what is consecration?

Consecration means “to make holy.” In essence, God alone is holy, and it is only through Him that anyone can truly “make holy.” When one engages in an act of consecration, it is always directed ultimately to God, with the understanding that this act represents a serious and deeply meaningful commitment on our part. This commitment calls us to respond faithfully and wholeheartedly to God’s grace as it is actively at work in our daily.“Consecrating ourselves to Mary means accepting her help to offer ourselves and the whole of mankind.We see symbolized in the Heart of Mary her maternal love, her singular sanctity and her central role in the redemptive mission of her Son” stated St. Pope John Paul II (Sept. 22, 1986).

The practice of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary is associated with the Fatima apparitions. During the third apparition on July 13, 1917, Our Lady expressed God's wish to spread devotion to her Immaculate Heart to save souls and promote world peace, specifically asking for the consecration of Russia. Pope Pius XII consecrated the Church and the world to her on October 31, 1942, amid World War II, praying for guidance in a troubled time. John Paul II performed similar consecrations on May 13, 1982, March 25, 1984, and on October 8, 2000, entrusting the world to her for the new millennium. Pope Francis renewed this consecration on October 13, 2013, dedicating his papacy to Our Lady of Fatima. Overall, Pius XII and John Paul II consecrated the world to Mary eight times.

To Learn more about this beautiful practice and or to consecrate yourself to the Immaculate heart of Mary see the links below.

" Ave Maria, Totus tuus" or "Totally yours"

Keep at it! Keep praying. Love the Lord.

Peace and Grace.