Consecrated to Jesus through Mary - now what?

[lucybeebee]

About a year and a half ago, I was consecrated to Jesus through Mary. Since then, I’ve been wondering what to do. It seems like things should be different, but they aren’t. I feel very confused and like I’ve failed. Any suggestions?

 

[GemmaRose]

I don’t know if a useful answer can be given… what do you think should have changed? Your situation in life (job, family, etc.), your spiritual life… what are you looking for?

That being said, if you are seriously trying to lead a good Catholic Christian life, trying to avoid deliberate sin, bringing any mortal sin to Confession, you have not failed.

Failure and falling are two separate things.

Even if you commit a mortal sin every single day, you’re not a failure - you’ve fallen. Being a failure means not trying. Being a failure means not bringing your falls to Confession.

Do you feel as though your prayer life has not progressed? While some great Saints reached the heights of sanctity at a very young age, there are countless others whose spiritual journeys lasted many, many long years.

Even when you don’t “feel” anything going on, be assured that Jesus is working in your soul, and that He, along with His mother, are very pleased at your consecration and at your concern that you’ve “failed”.

Why don’t you make an appointment to speak with a priest and bring your concerns to him. He should be able to correct any false notions and give you practical suggestions for growth in the spiritual life.

I’m sure that other CAF members will be praying for you when they read your post.

Peace.

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*“I wish that my heart could beat, that I could live and breathe only for Jesus, I wish that my tongue could utter no other name than that of Jesus; that my eye could see only Jesus; that my pen could write only about Jesus, and that my thoughts could soar to nothing but Jesus. I have often wondered where on earth there might be something on which I could center my love. But neither on earth nor in heaven do I find any such thing but only my beloved Jesus… I am the fruit of your passion, Jesus, born of your wounds. O Jesus, seek me in love; I no longer possess anything; you have stolen my heart…” *- St. Gemma Galgani

 

[glenaitken]

I suggest re-reading St. Louis DeMontfort, continue to live a holy life, and let God lead you when He wants to move you. There is always the chance that you have been doing exactly what God wants from you the whole time, and so it would be no wonder that it doesn’t “feel” different now. Remember that a large part of the consecration consists in offering everything to God and Mary, and so it is they who care for your soul. Try to find God in all of the little things and people and in service- He will move you from there.

 

[water]

You realized that things haven’t change much; perhaps, this is part of the fruits you have received from the devotion? I meant that if we realize we have not changed, then it is a good sign that we have become a bit more of shelf-knowledge. It is better to see that we haven’t changed than to assume that we have changed while we have not.

Perhaps you could start reading the two books again in order to understand more about this devotion – as glenaitken suggested – and practice it every day.

The devotion itself will not make us change, but the things that we need to follow mentioned in this devotion will help us change – by graces of God through Virgin Mary.

book 1: True Devotion to The Blessed Virgin (by St. Louis de Montord)
book 2: Total Consecration according to St Louis Marie de Montfort

One must read book 1 in order to understand what the Consecration is all about. I’ve known some of friends who skipped reading this book.

 

[Miserissima]

About a year and a half ago, I was consecrated to Jesus through Mary. Since then, I’ve been wondering what to do. It seems like things should be different, but they aren’t. I feel very confused and like I’ve failed. Any suggestions?

Perhaps you can pick up a devotion you haven’t already tried (the Little Office of the BVM) or perhaps a tangible reminder would be helpful – do you wear the Scapular?

I know that if you grow closer to the saints particular to Mary, that may help, too. Examine the lives of such saints as:
Bernadette, Maximilian Kolbe, St.Catherine Laboure, the children of Fatima. Examine their lives and see how you can grow in holiness by their words and examples.

I had a book on St. Anne…ah, here it is: Saint Anne, Grandmother of Our Savior, by Frances Parkinson Keyes (New York: Messner, 1955). Perhaps check Alibris or eBay (if you absolutely cannot find a copy, PM me). It talks about both scripture, tradition, and the customs of the era that really gets into the life and times of Mary…and how she mothered our savior.

 

[RevDrNorth]

I assume you are engaged in regular and active prayer. If not, that would be a first step (Rosary, etc).

The next thing is that you may need to find an active lay group to belong to that will add depth to your prayer life and life of service to Jesus through Mary. There are many of these:

Lay Carmelites
Third Order Franciscans
Legion of Mary

This is a way not only to unite in prayer and service but to be strengthened by fellow believers. This may be a missing element.

Best wishes with your journey. The Blessed mother will honor your devotion to Christ.

 

[water]

I assume you are engaged in regular and active prayer. If not, that would be a first step (Rosary, etc).

The next thing is that you may need to find an active lay group to belong to that will add depth to your prayer life and life of service to Jesus through Mary. There are many of these:

Lay Carmelites
Third Order Franciscans
Legion of Mary

This is a way not only to unite in prayer and service but to be strengthened by fellow believers. This may be a missing element.

Best wishes with your journey. The Blessed mother will honor your devotion to Christ.

I really appreciated your great advices. I’ve found myself that the reason I could go on praying the Rosary daily is because the Young Adult Legion of Mary which I am a member of. They encourage me.