Consecrated Life and how to live it

[Michael16]

As you all know, I was consecrated to Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart this Sunday.

From what I gather, I’m set aside for whatever purposes, while ruled by the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus; Our Lady and the Holy Spirit may lead me to.

So far: I’m understanding that I’m called to be like Christ; loving, supporting and praying for others. Like a priest, my life is no longer my own but whatever Our Lady and the Holy Spirit leads and commands me to do.

Everything now seems to be a work of love and self sacrifice.

Are they’re anyone else here living the consecrated life that can advise me on how to live out my consecration?

Any advice will be appreciated. God bless you all and thank you.

 

[ReaderT]

Forgive my ignorance; we don’t have this idea in the East, so I’m a little confused. How is what you are describing any different than what we’re (all Christians) called to do already?

I’m understanding that I’m called to be like Christ; loving, supporting and praying for others. Like a priest, my life is no longer my own but whatever Our Lady and the Holy Spirit leads and commands me to do.

 

[Michael16]

The basics, ReaderT; is this:

In our Tradition, we have consecration to Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart. Ultimately, all consecrations are to God.

In consecrating myself to the Immaculate Heart; I’m setting myself aside to do whatever work Our Lady leads me to do and she teaches me how her Son’s Most Sacred Heart guide and rule me.

I hope that helps you understand.

 

[edward_george1]

Are they’re anyone else here living the consecrated life that can advise me on how to live out my consecration?

Just a small nitpick, but “consecrated life” generally refers to those who have actually taken religious vows in a religious order. You might refer to what you’re talking about as living out one’s consecration to Jesus through Mary, but to speak of the consecrated life is a very different vocational (and canonical) reality.

-Fr ACEGC

 

[Michael16]

I’m sorry, Father! I don’t mean to confuse. How should I speak of it?

 

[edward_george1]

As I said, you might speak of “consecration to Jesus through Mary” or “Marian Consecration.” Your question is probably better framed in terms of “how do I live out my Marian Consecration?” I would point you in the direction of some of the many books on the subject, particularly the work of Fr. Michael Gaitley (33 Days to Morning Glory is excellent). As you’ve asked the question, especially in your subject line, it seems like you’re talking about the consecrated religious life.

 

[Michael16]

I meant Marian consecration to the Immaculate Heart, Father. I’m seeking advice on how to live it out, sir.

 

[Justin_Mary]

Are they’re anyone else here living the consecrated life that can advise me on how to live out my consecration?

I’m working on becoming a lay Carmelite. Part of my formation was reading A Pattern For Life by Patrick Thomas McMahon O.Carm

It’s commentary on how a person can apply the Rule of the Carmelite Third Order to their lives in modern time. Not that you should become a Carmelite, but I think it’s a must read for any Christian trying to figure this life out.

 

[Michael16]

Cool. I’m reading True Devotion to Mary as part of understanding how to live out my Marian consecration.

If I was going to be a Third Order; im drawn to the Benedictines, the Dominicans or the Fransciscans.

 

[ReaderT]

In consecrating myself to the Immaculate Heart; I’m setting myself aside to do whatever work Our Lady leads me to do and she teaches me how her Son’s Most Sacred Heart guide and rule me.

Thank you for the reply.