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Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

by Filed Under: 06 June, 06 June Saints, Sacred Heart of Jesus Leave a Comment

“I ask of you that the Friday after the Octave of Corpus Christi be set apart for a special Feast to honor My Heart.” ~Our Lord

 

FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS


DOUBLE, FIRST CLASS / WHITE
The heart stands for love. The human heart of Jesus stands both for His human love and for the infinite love of His divine Person. His love was not just a shimmering, dreamy softness; it was wisely strong and true to its eternal purposes. Despite the anguish of Gethsemane, His love yielded His human life to crucifixion. His love had all the majesty and fullness of God, a height and a depth that make paltry the wisdom of men. Every mystery of His life, every miracle, sermon, and kindness, was a new revelation of divine love that enlightens and warms mankind.

INTROIT  Ps. 32:11, 19 
The thoughts of His heart stand through all generations, to deliver their souls from death, and keep them alive in spite of famine. 
Ps. 32:1. Rejoice in the Lord, you just; praise befits the upright.
V. Glory be . . .
COLLECT
O God, through Your mercy we possess the treasures of Your love in the Sacred Heart of Your Son, the same Sacred Heart which we wounded by our sins. May our honor, devotion, and love make reparation to Him for our faults. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

EPISTLE Eph. 3:8-12, 14-19
Brethren: To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith–that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 

GRADUAL Ps. 24:8-9The Lord is kind and just, therefore He shows even the erring the way.
V. He guides the humble in justice, He teaches the meek His way.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Matt. 11:29
Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your souls. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 19:31-37
At that time, the Jews, since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness–his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth–that you also may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 68:21
My heart dreaded reproach and misery, and I looked for someone to sympathize with Me, but there was none. I sought for someone to comfort Me, and I found none.

SECRET
O Lord, behold the love in the heart of Your beloved Son, which no tongue can describe. Because of that love, accept our gift as an offering in atonement for our sins. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 19:34
One of the soldiers opened His side with a lance, and immediately there came out blood and water.

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord Jesus, let the Blessed Sacrament fire us with a holy fervor, that we may experience the sweetness of Your loving Heart and learn to prefer the things of Heaven to those of earth; who lives and reigns with God the Father . . .

 

The Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

This Litany was granted Papal approval by Leo the XIII on April 2, 1899. Each line or invocation has a scriptural connection. The Litany can be used during the praying of the Holy Hour of Reparation. It is recited after the First Friday Mass by those Priests who particularly celebrate this devotion. It is also prayed after the Mass of the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

V/ Lord, have mercy on us.
R/ Lord, have mercy on us.

V/ Christ, have mercy on us.
R/ Christ, have mercy on us.

V/ Lord, have mercy on us.
R/ Lord, have mercy on us.

V/ Christ, hear us.
R/ Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of Heaven,

R/ for ff: have mercy on us

God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God, the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, One God,
Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father.
Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mother,
Heart of Jesus, substantially united to the Word of God,
Heart of Jesus, of Infinite Majesty,
Heart of Jesus, Sacred Temple of God,
Heart of Jesus, Tabernacle of the Most High,
Heart of Jesus, House of God and Gate of Heaven,
Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity,
Heart of Jesus, abode of justice and love,
Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love,
Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues,
Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise,
Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts,
Heart of Jesus, in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,
Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father was well pleased,
Heart of Jesus, of whose fullness we have all received,
Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills,
Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful,
Heart of Jesus, enriching all who invoke Thee,
Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness,
Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins,
Heart of Jesus, loaded down with opprobrium,
Heart of Jesus, bruised for our offenses,
Heart of Jesus, obedient to death,
Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance,
Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation,
Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection,
Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation,
Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins,
Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust in Thee,
Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in Thee,
Heart of Jesus, delight of all the Saints,

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world.
R/ spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
R/ graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
R/ have mercy on us.

Jesus, meek and humble of heart.
R/ Make our hearts like unto Thine.

Let us pray. Almighty and eternal God, consider the Heart of Thy well-beloved Son and the praises and satisfaction He offers Thee in the name of sinners; appeased by worthy homage, pardon those who implore Thy mercy in the name of the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who lives and reigns with Thee forever and ever.

R/ Amen.

 

The Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Pope Leo XXIII wrote an Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which he urged the faithful to recite in order to dedicate themselves to the Heart of Our Lord and God. He asked that it be recited in conjunction with the Litany. Looking upon the dangers and evils of the modern world, the Holy Father composed this prayer as a petition or act of surrender on the behalf of the faithful to the Divine Heart.

 

Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us, humbly prostrate before your altar. We are yours and yours we wish to be; but to be more surely united with you, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to your most sacred heart. Many, indeed, have never known you, many too, despising your precepts, have rejected you. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to your sacred heart. Be you king, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken you, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned you; grant that they may quickly return to their father’s house, lest they die of wretchedness and hunger. Be you king of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of truth and unity of faith, so that soon there may be but one flock and one shepherd. Be you king also of all those who sit in the ancient superstition of the Gentiles, and refuse not you to deliver them out of darkness into the light and kingdom of God. Grant, O Lord, to your Church, assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give peace and order to all nations, and make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the divine heart that wrought our salvation; to it be glory and honor forever. Amen.

 

 

 

~~~

MORE WAYS TO CELEBRATE IN YOUR HOME WITH KIDS

Sacred Heart of Jesus Pinterest Board

More reflections for June & Holy Phone Wallpapers can be found on my Insta Stories.

Self Care for the Catholic Mom

by Filed Under: Motherhood, Wellness, Wellness Challenge 2 Comments

Mothers rule the world. They guide the destinies of homes; that is why God is relying on mothers to keep Christ in the world by keeping Him in their hearts and homes.

This month, I was blessed to share about the importance of self-care for mothers (in all seasons) and provide essential oil education to a group of women in a Confraternity of Christian Mothers.

Originated in various parts of France, especially in Lille, when mothers began to gather to pray with and for one another and for their children, to discuss their problems, and to advise one another regarding the Christian rearing of their children. The movement gradually solidified, and on May 1, 1850, the first conference of Christian Mothers was held in Lille, under the leadership of (one of the original members) Louise Josson de Bilhem.

I speak of the self-care, not as the world describes, but as Our Lord desires.  The care of self — full body, mind, and spirit so we can thrive to best serve in our vocations as He wills.  

I share as a fellow-mama in the trenches. A mentor.  By no means, have I arrived.  My words come from a place of Pain to Purpose.  I share in hopes to help others along in ways that I would have benefited at an earlier time and benefit now.  I share because I trust that my blessings (trials and all) are not for me alone, and it’s to give testimony to the goodness of Our Lord.  

It’s not a matter of perfection but faithfulness.  Faithfulness to show up every day to do the hard things well and working within our means to the fullest.  

We discussed warning signs of burnout and the importance of identifying them early vs. reacting to their major issues.

Here are some common signs that someone is under great stress:

  • Chronic fatigue — exhaustion, tiredness, a sense of being physically run down
  • Anger, Bitterness, Loneliness
  • Self-criticism –  decreased self-esteem
  • Feelings of being misunderstood
  • Cynicism, negativity, and irritability
  • Exploding easily at seemingly inconsequential things
  • Frequent headaches and gastrointestinal disturbances
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Sleeplessness and depression
  • Shortness of breath
  • Anxious
  • Feelings of helplessness
  • Difficult to build new relationships
  • Tough to enjoy new experiences

 

We reflected on the wisdom of the saints.  Motherhood is hard and a good mentor/friend, Titus 2 woman (an elder woman living a life of virtue), would be a great blessing for anyone of us but it isn’t always possible.  We must turn to God’s word and those that lived a life of heroic virtue on this earth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I introduced a Self-Care Challenge for Catholic Mothers, similar to my Love Envelope (for Date Nights).  The basis of the challenge is for you to select one task/challenge to be completed throughout the day or week.  It can be selected randomly or chosen with intent.  Either way, this practice is intended to help mothers avoid burnout and turn their hearts & minds towards the Heart of Christ so they can best serve in their vocations. 

 

CLICK HERE TO GET YOU SELF CARE PRINTABLES

You may offer a donation or use the code motherlove to get your packet for FREE!
  • Cover
  • Saint Quotes
  • Self Care Challenges

 

 

An additional tool to help a mom along the lines of self-care is a planner to encourage healthy goals.  I created at planner sheet at the start of the year to help mothers along with a RESET.  I share here because it is much more than just tool for a small 1x challenge.  My planner sheet can be incorporated into your current planner, printed and posted on the fridge, or printed and bounded for use on its own.  It provides space to:

  • record your goals
  • meal plan
  • track water
  • list a saintly quote for inspiration
  • note what you are grateful for each day
  • and more!

CLICK HERE TO GET YOU SELF CARE PLANNER PRINTABLE 

You may offer a donation or use the code motherlove to get your packet for FREE!

 

Lastly, we covered natural solutions for moms, our homes, and our families.  Living an essential oil lifestyle means turning to what God created, first. It allows our bodies to work at their optimum without synthetic, nasty toxins.  doTERRA is changing the way healthcare is delivered and Wellness Advocates like me are empowering people with these natural solutions.  We are not doctors (leave that up to the medical and scientific board at doTERRA HQ!) and we’re not prescribing, diagnosing, treating or claiming to cure anything. In essence, we are the doorway to natural and holistic practices that many otherwise might have been kept in the dark about.

Each mom went away with a personalized mini-roller to help with one of the following needs: 

  • Mood Management
  • Focus
  • Respiratory
  • Emotional Aromatherapy
    • Anxious, Fearful, Worried
    • Disinterested, Bored, Discontent
  • Rest & Sleep
  • Muscle & Joints

There was also a Make & Take option to create specialized roller blends for family needs:

  • Immunity
  • Seasonal allergies
  • Headache & head tension
  • Digestive issues

These small and potent compounds are empowering moms everywhere.  One cannot underestimate the goodness of God’s creation!

My husband and I chose to use essential oils from a company that we trusted and most closely shared our core values. We are 100% confident that what we purchase are free from adulterations, pesticides, and synthetics.
There is absolutely a difference in essential oils — your local organic store is NOT the best place to get your oils.  Simply stating 100% pure on a label is NOT a guarantee.
There are two major factors that play a role in the effectiveness and quality of essential oils: plant potency and oil purity.

If you’re interested in learning more about essential oils, natural health,  clean eating, or anything else shared here, you’re invited to contact me or visit me at JOYfilled Wellness.

 

 

 

 

May we (mothers) take care of our bodies as if we were going to live forever, and take care of our souls as if we were going to die tomorrow as St. Augustine prescribes.  

St. Benedict

by Filed Under: 03 March Saints, St. Benedict Leave a Comment

[Commemoration]

SAINT BENEDICT

Abbot – March 21
Benedict was born in central Italy, about the year 480, when the civilized world was being overrun by pagan and heretical tribes. As a young man, he withdrew to the mountainous region of Subiaco to live there as a hermit. Soon many disciples followed him. Later, St. Benedict left Subiaco for Monte Cassino and founded on its summit a monastery that became the most famous in Europe. After having rescued Europe from the darkness and ignorance that followed the downfall of the Roman Empire, St. Benedict’s monks went out into the whole world to combat paganism with the light of Christ. They were the great civilizers, and their influence upon subsequent history is incalculable.
Even more importantly, the spirituality of Western Christianity has been shaped by the famous Rule Benedict devised for his monks. With this Rule, he provided a “school of the Lord’s service” which embraced a program of liturgical prayer, sacred study, and work, lived socially in community under one common father, with a noticeable emphasis on peace, moderation (especially as regards austerities), and charity towards all men.


Let the blessed Abbot Benedict intercede for us, O Lord. May his prayers win us Your help, since our own actions cannot merit it. Through Our Lord . . .

~~~

Girded with a faith, and the performance of good works, let us follow in Christ’s path by the guidance of the Gospel; then we shall deserve to see him “who has called us into his kingdom.” If we wish to attain a dwelling place in his kingdom, we shall not reach it unless we hasten there by our good deeds. Just as there exists an evil fervor, a bitter spirit, which divides us from God and leads us to hell, so there is a good fervor which sets us apart from evil inclinations and leads us toward God and eternal life. No one should follow what he considers to be good for himself, but rather what seems good for another. Let them put Christ before all else; and may he lead us all to everlasting life. ~from the Rule of Saint Benedict

~~~

Pictorial Lives of the Saints – Saint Benedict, Abbot

Saint Benedict, blessed by grace and in name, was born of a noble Italian family about 480. When a boy he was sent to Rome, and there placed in the public schools. Scared by the licentiousness of the Roman youth, he fled to the desert mountains of Subiaco, and was directed by the Holy Spirit into a cave, deep, craggy, and almost inaccessible. He lived there for three years, unknown to any one save the holy monk Romanus, who clothed him with the monastic habit and brought him food. But the fame of his sanctity soon gathered disciples round him. The rigor of his rule, however, drew on him the hatred of some of the monks, and one of them mixed poison with the abbot’s drink. But when the Saint made the sign of the cross on the poisoned bowl, it broke and fell in pieces to the ground. After he had built twelve monasteries at Subiaco, he removed to Monte Cassino, where he founded an abbey in which he wrote his rule, and lived until death. By prayer he did all things: wrought miracles, saw visions, and prophesied. A peasant, whose boy had just died, ran in anguish to Saint Benedict, crying out, “Give me back my son!” The monks joined the poor man in his entreaties; but the Saint replied, ” Such miracles are not for us to work, but for the blessed Apostles. Why will you lay upon me a burden which my weakness cannot bear? ” Moved at length by compassion he knelt down, and prostrating himself upon the body of the child prayed earnestly. Then rising, he cried out, ” Behold not, O Lord, my sins, but the faith of this man,- who desireth the life of his son, and restore to the body that soul which Thou hast taken away.” Hardly had he spoken when the child’s body began to tremble, and taking it by the hand he restored it alive to its father. Six days before his death he ordered his grave to be opened, and fell ill of a fever. On the sixth day he requested to be borne into the chapel, and, having received the Body and Blood of Christ, with hands uplifted, and leaning on one of his disciples, he calmly expired in prayer on the 21st of March, 543.

Reflection – The Saints never feared to undertake any work, however arduous, for God, because distrusting self they relied for assistance and support wholly upon prayer.

~~~

 

 

St. Benedict by LL – August 2017 Peg Doll Swap

RESOURCES:

SERMONS & AUDIO:

 

I’ve partnered with Catholic Car Magnets to offer authentically Catholic magnets. This small Catholic-family owned business will donate a percentage of each sale to help youth attend a FSSP Summer Camp, serve on a Mission, or participate in an age-appropriate virtue program.

By using the coupon code, “SSCAMP,” at checkout, customers will also receive a generous discount.  If you’re local, contact me personally to place your order.

 

***For a limited time, you may enter a giveaway here***

St. Joseph’s Altar

by Filed Under: 03 March Saints, St. Joseph Leave a Comment

Ad te beate Joseph, in tribulatione nostra confugimus, atque, implorato Sponsae tuae sanctissimae auxilio, patrocinium quoque tuum fidenter exposcimus. (To thee, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our tribulation, and having implored the help of thy most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke thy patronage also. )

2017 Parish St. Joseph Altar

SAINT JOSEPH

Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Confessor

Patron of the Universal Church

March 19

Joseph, a member of the royal family of David, was leading the obscure life of a village carpenter when God chose him to be the spouse of the Blessed Virgin and the foster father of the Incarnate Word. Scripture tells us that Joseph was just, pure, gentle, prudent, and a lover of holy silence. Above all, this humble guardian of the Child Jesus was unfailingly obedient to the divine will.

Joseph is not mentioned after he and Mary lost the twelve-year-old Jesus in the Temple and, following three days of agonized search, found their boy discoursing divinely with the learned doctors of the Law. The great task of the foster father of Christ must have been finished before the marriage feast at Cana and the beginning of the Savior’s public ministry. Untold millions have since then invoked St. Joseph as the patron of a happy death.

 

It is a salutary practice and very praiseworthy, already established in some countries, to consecrate the month of March to the honour of the holy Patriarch by daily exercises of piety. Where this custom cannot be easily established, it is as least desirable, that before the feast-day, in the principal church of each parish, a triduo of prayer be celebrated. In those lands where the 19th of March – the Feast of St. Joseph – is not a Festival of Obligation, We exhort the faithful to sanctify it as far as possible by private pious practices, in honour of their heavenly patron, as though it were a day of Obligation. ~Pope Leo XIII

2017 Home St. Joseph’s Altar

Viva la Tavola di San Giuseppe!

Long live the table of St. Joseph!

2018 Tavola di San Giuseppe

The importance of this day in Catholic tradition extends throughout the world, but one related custom, in particular, originated on the island of Sicily: St. Joseph’s Table.

The origins of St. Joseph’s Table can be traced to the Middle Ages. 

According to one tradition, during a famine brought on by a severe drought, starving villagers — many of them farmers — prayed to St. Joseph, asking for his intercession. St. Joseph helped them to survive by eating the fava bean. It was the only crop that would grow in such harsh conditions. So bountiful the crop became that the famine ended.

To offer their thanks the people prepared a special feast, inviting the poor and less fortunate among them to share in the meal. The feast of St. Joseph’s Table has been celebrated ever since.

The St. Joseph’s table itself — also known as an “altar” — is traditionally comprised of three ascending tables, or “steps,” representing both the Holy Trinity and the ascent from earth to heaven. At the center of the last and highest table is a statue of St. Joseph or a picture of the Holy Family.

Palms and lily plants typically adorn each of the tables. Vigil candles, usually green, brown and dark yellow, accompany the flowers, representing the colors of St. Joseph. Breads are formed and baked into the shapes of various Catholic symbols, such as a St. Joseph’s staff and various carpentry tools, a chalice, cross, monstrance, dove, lamb, fish or heart. Some of these elaborate breads are not eaten as part of the meal, but later given to the poor. Bottles of wine are also placed upon the altar, as well as assorted fruits such as grapes and lemons.

The various culinary treats that form the meal are each blessed by a priest; thus the food is never to be thrown away or wasted. Because the feast of St. Joseph falls during the Lenten season, meat is not a part of the meal.

The main course is a pasta dish containing sardines, tomatoes and fresh fennel, and sprinkled with breadcrumbs to represent the sawdust of a carpenter. There are several names for this dish, but it is often called pasta con sarde, pasta con mudrica orpasta Milanese. Various soups made of lentils and vegetable dishes such as stuffed artichokes, broccoli and fennel, as well as the all-important fava bean, which is often served roasted and lightly salted, accompany the pasta.

As with all things Sicilian, the meal is followed by a tasty assortment of desserts: various cookies, zeppole and the famous St. Joseph sfinge, which is a round cream puff filled with ricotta cheese or cream and adorned with candied fruits. The food that remains is given to the poor, along with any money that guests may have contributed.

St. Joseph peg dolls made especially for our St. Joseph, Dad.

 

2017 Home St. Joseph’s Altar – embellished by children by the end of the day.

 

2016 Parish St. Joseph Altar

 

 

RESOURCES:

SERMONS:

PRAYERS TO ST. JOSEPH

This is a prayer that is offered as part of our Thanksgiving after every Mass at my Parish, started by the FSSP Superior General, Fr. Berg.

Prayer to St. Joseph

by Pope St. Pius X.

Glorious St. Joseph, model of all who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work in the spirit of penance in expiation of my many sins; to work conscientiously by placing love of duty above my inclinations; to gratefully and joyously deem it an honor to employ and to develop by labor the gifts I have received from God, to work methodically, peacefully, and in moderation and patience, without ever shrinking from it through weariness or difficulty to work; above all, with purity of intention and unselfishness, having unceasingly before my eyes death and the account I have to render of time lost, talents unused, good not done, and vain complacency in success, so baneful to the work of God. All for Jesus, all for Mary, all to imitate thee, O patriarch St. Joseph! This shall be my motto for life and eternity.

 

To Thee, O Blessed Joseph

by Pope Leo XIII 

To thee, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our tribulation, and having implored the help of thy most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke thy patronage also. Through that charity which bound thee to the immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the paternal love with which thou embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg thee to graciously regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with thy power and strength to aid us in our necessities.

O most watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ; O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be propitious to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness; and, as once thou rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God’s Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by thy constant protection, so that, supported by thy example and thy aid, we may be able to live piously, to die holy, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.

 

Prayer to St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church

by Pope Leo XIII 

Most powerful patriarch St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, which has always invoked thee in anxiety and trouble, from the exalted seat of thy glory cast a loving glance upon the whole Catholic world. Let thy fatherly heart be touched at the sight of the mystical spouse and the Vicar of Christ overwhelmed with sorrow and persecuted by powerful enemies.

Oh! by the bitter anguish thou didst experience upon earth, dry the tears of the venerable Pontiff, defend him, liberate him, intercede for him with the Giver of peace and charity, that, all adversity being removed, and all error dissipated, the entire Church may serve God in perfect liberty: Ut destructis adversitatibus et erroribus universis Ecclesia secura Deo serviat libertate. Amen.

Total Consecration {for ALL}

by Filed Under: Total Consecration Leave a Comment

We (of JOYfilledfamily) invite you to make a Total Consecration for the first time or prepare to renew your consecration.

 

WHAT:

By making this consecration to Mary, you are placing yourself completely and totally in her hands. You are giving her permission to form you, discipline you, and mold you into a true follower of Christ. Do not be afraid, though, because she loves you. She will always take care of you, and knows better than anybody how to do so. It is always good to remember her words to St. Juan Diego in Mexico, “Hear and let it penetrate into your heart, my dear little son: let nothing discourage you, nothing depress you: let nothing alter your heart or your countenance. Also do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain. Am I not here who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not your fountain of life? Are you not in the folds of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Is there anything else that you need?”

 

 

WHEN & HOW:

Step 1 – Read “True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary”

Read for about 12 days your discernment and preparation for Consecration.

Step 2 – Choose a day for the Consecration

Chose the date of a Marian Feast on which to make the consecration. Now work backward to figure out when you will start your Consecration — whichever Feast you choose will determine the date to begin a 33-day period of spiritual preparation (you follow spiritual exercises for 33 days, and the next day will be the Marian Feast on which you consecrate yourself).

Below is a list of Marian Feasts which are the same on both the Traditional and Novus Ordo calendars so there will be no “issues” for traditionalists who decide to enroll in the confraternity associated with Montfort’s Total Consecration:image1 21 Feb when February has 29 days. The Feast of the Annunciation is the Feast that St. Louis de Montfort recommends most of all as it is this Feast that commemorates God Himself taking on flesh and, thereby, subjecting even Himself to trust in and dependency on Our Lady

 

Step 3 – Begin the 33-Day Preparation for Consecration

Now begins the 33-day period of exercises. St. Louis-Marie breaks these days into sections of days, each section having its own prayers, and each particular day having its own brief readings with which to fill the mind for that day (the readings come from Sacred Scripture, “The Imitation of Christ,” and “True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary”). Don’t just read the readings, internalize them; don’t let your lips just mouth the prayers, truly pray them.

The Total Consecration is divided into themes:

Days 1-12: The Spirit of the World – preparation period that consists of emptying oneself of the spirit of the world in penance and mortification. For those 12 days, we pray the Veni Creator, the Ave Maris Stella, the Magnificat, and the Glory Be. Then follow 3 weeks, each week having a specific focus. 

Days 13-19: Knowledge of Self –

Days 20-26: Knowledge of Mary –  we ask the Holy Ghost to help us better understand the Blessed Virgin; we pray the Litany of the Holy Ghost, the Litany of Loreto, the Ave Maris Stellis, the prayer to Mary by St. Louis-Marie, and 5 decades of the Holy Rosary each day for assistance. 

Days 27-33: Knowledge of Jesus – we seek to better understand Christ through meditation and the Litany of the Holy Ghost, the Ave Maris Stella, and the Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus, Montfort’s prayer to Jesus, and the prayer O Jesus Living in Mary.

Day 34: Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary


Below are links to the individual readings for each day, and accompanying prayers. You can also purchase the book, True Devotion to Mary with Preparation for Total Consecration,  here.

 

 

12-Day Preparation: 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12
First Week: 13  14  15  16  17  18  19
Second Week: 20  21  22  23  24  25  26
Third Week: 27  28  29  30  31  32  33

 

 

 

Step 4 – Day 34: Day of Consecration

On the day of consecration, either fast, give alms, or offer a votive candle for the good

 of another (or all of the above); do some spiritual penance and approach consecration in the spirit of mortification. 

Now go to Confession (or, if that is not possible, go during the 8 days prior) and then receive Communion with the intention of giving yourself to Jesus, as a slave of love, by the hands of Mary. Try to receive Communion per the method described in the Supplement of the book, “True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary” above.

Now, pray the words of the consecration. Copy them and have them with you at church, read them after the Mass (in front of the tabernacle would be nice), and sign your copy of the Act of Consecration. You can get FREE printable here or here.

 

 

Step 5 – After Consecration

Once you have consecrated yourself to Jesus through Mary, live that consecration. St. Louis-Marie de Montfort recommended the following:

  • Keep praying to develop a “great contempt” for the spirit of this world
  • Maintain a special devotion to the Mystery of the Incarnation (e.g., through meditation; spiritual reading; focusing on Feasts centering around the Incarnation, such as the Annunciation and the Nativity, etc.)
  • Frequently recite the Ave, Rosary, and the Magnificat
  • Recite, every day if it is not inconvenient, the “Little Crown of the Blessed Virgin” — a series of Paters, Aves, and Glorias — one Ave for each star in the Virgin’s Crown. St. Louis has a special way of praying the Little Crown, which is recommended.
  • Do everything through, with, in and for Mary for the sake of Jesus, with the prayer, “I am all thine Immaculate One, with all that I have: in time and in eternity” in your heart and on your lips
  • Associate yourself with Mary in a special way before, during, and after Communion (see Supplement of the book, “True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary” above)

  • Wear a little iron chain (around the neck, arm, waist, or ankle) as an outward sign and reminder of holy slavery. This practice is optional, but very recommended by St. Louis. The appearance of this chain is not further specified.
  • Renew the consecration once a year on the same date chosen above, and by following the same 33-day period of exercises. If desired, also renew the consecration monthly with the prayer, “I am all thine and all I have is thine, O dear Jesus, through Mary, Thy holy Mother.”
  • Optional: Join the Confraternity of Mary, Queen of All Hearts. Their address:
    Director, Confraternity of Mary Queen of All Hearts
    26 South Saxon Avenue
    Bay Shore, NY 11706

 

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Each meditation below is about 40min in length (after the Rosary) so we divide it over a 30-day period for about 6 minutes of listening each day.  We adjust to fit the needs of our family.

 

 

“…O admirable Mother, present me to thy dear Son as His eternal slave, so that as He has redeemed me by thee, by thee He may receive me! O Mother of mercy, grant me the grace to obtain the true Wisdom of God; and for that end receive me among those whom thou lovest and teachest, whom thou leadest, nourishest and protectest as thy children and thy slaves…” ~ Total Consecration

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