Consecration to Mary or Joseph

[Lucy_1]

I’m interested in anyone’s experience with consecration to Mary or Joseph, but I’m especially interested in former Protestants who have consecrated themselves

Did you have any initial hesitation or issues with consecrating yourself to them? Of course, we know theologically that deep devotion to saints is a wonderful thing, but concerns aren’t always logical! What helped you get over these hurdles?

What was your experience like in preparing and then making this commitment? What book or resource did you use to guide you?

Have you noticed any positive changes in your prayer, character, helpful guidance, help with sticky situations you were in, etc., as a result of your consecration?

How do you practice it? (I don’t know much about it, are there prayers etc. you’re required to say?) Anything else you would like to share?

 

[Anesti33]

All the faithful of our diocese were exhorted to consecrate ourselves to Jesus through Mary, by our bishop. At the Fátima celebration at the cathedral was the first big culmination of these consecrations, as we all recited the formula in the Mass. I hardly understood what I was doing, and realized later that that was only the end of the process!

But it definitely got me to hungering for consecration, and so I went through with it. My Consecration Day is March 25, 2019, and I couldn’t be happier.

One of the worries I had prior to the consecration was: what kind of burden will this impose? I knew that scapulars came with prayers attached, and I was wary of burdening my busy prayer-life with obligations I could fulfill. But I was counseled that the consecration is meant to foster deeper devotion to Our Lady in whatever form that takes for us, and some wear a bracelet, chain, or necklace to signify that we belong to her.

My preparation was both facilitated and hindered by the formation of a parish group, led by a poet and writer who sent out daily emails of encouragement and linked images for us to contemplate as we said the prayers. I say it was hindered, because the whole rest of the group was using a special new book with a unique consecration process, and I chose to use de Montfort’s original book, partly because it was public domain and free in our library. Therefore, as I made the consecration each week, I noticed marked differences in the sets of prayers prescribed and the whole structure of the thing, so I had to kind of “wing it” on my own apart from our leader’s directions.

I feel Our Lady’s influence in my life so much stronger now. I feel her mantle of protection over me in hard times. I feel her encouragement as I strike out and make great progress, whether that is in my profession, my prayer life, or the interior life.

One thing I have added now is that I close my emails with “Sincerely yours in Jesus through Mary,” or “In the love of Jesus through Mary,” and so everyone will know I have a special devotion to her. This is the most visible way I live my consecration.

I do repeat the consecratory process each year to coincide with the anniversary of the original one. This is, of course, highly recommended. I haven’t added any prayers in particular, but I have renewed my commitment to praying the Liturgy of the Hours every day.

Hope this helps!

Sincerely yours in Jesus through Mary,
Anesti33

 

[MNathaniel]

Did you have any initial hesitation or issues with consecrating yourself to them?

Yup. I couldn’t bring myself to do it until a couple years after conversion. Just couldn’t wrap my head around exactly what the point was, and didn’t want to do something like that without understanding why.

What helped you get over these hurdles?

Honestly? Need. Suddenly realizing my “why”. In my case, realizing I wanted Mary’s motherhood.

What book or resource did you use to guide you?

Matt Fradd & Fr. Gregory Pine’s book.

Have you noticed any positive changes in your prayer, character, helpful guidance, help with sticky situations you were in, etc., as a result of your consecration?

I’m in a tricky life place right now to reflect on positives. But I’d say yes. I’m just a bit too mired in darkness right now to explain what. But I do remember that there were noticeable positives, and I hope she’s acting on my behalf right now, even if I’m not immediately aware of it.

How do you practice it? (I don’t know much about it, are there prayers etc. you’re required to say?)

Per the resource I used, no specific ongoing prayers required after the initial consecration.

Honestly in my case it’s just asking Mary to help me. Others may have more of a ritualistic sense about it, and more constructive (name removed by moderator)ut. Apologies if my thoughts aren’t much help; I just thought I’d offer them in case they help round out a picture when taken in combination with others’ comments.

 

[Lucy8]

I was concecrated to Jesus through Mary just recently. We followed a packet given to us by our church leaders and followed it along. I also read the book “33 Days to morning Glory” along with the daily prayers and readings from the other packet. The booked written by a priest helped me understand the “why” behindg it all. I recommend it.