Continuing "Doing everything 'In Mary'..."

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Yesterday we left off in Chap 7 of St. Louis de Montfort’s “True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin” and today we continue in that same chapter 7 with the next paragraph in which we continue to learn about doing everything “In Mary” :

1. But how difficult it is for us to have the freedom, the ability and the light to enter such an exalted and holy place. This place is guarded not by a cherub, like the first earthly paradise, but by the Holy Spirit himself who has become its absolute Master. Referring to her, he says: “You are an enclosed garden, my sister, my bride, an enclosed garden and a sealed fountain.” Mary is enclosed. Mary is sealed. The unfortunate children of Adam and Eve driven from the earthly paradise, can enter this new paradise only by a special grace of the Holy Spirit which they have to merit.
2. When we have obtained this remarkable grace by our fidelity, we should be delighted to remain in Mary. We should rest there peacefully, rely on her confidently, hide ourselves there with safety, and abandon ourselves unconditionally to her, so that within her virginal bosom:

1) We may be nourished with the milk of her grace and her motherly compassion.

2) We may be delivered from all anxiety, fear and scruples.

3) We may be safeguarded from all our enemies, the devil, the world and sin which have never gained admittance there. That is why our Lady says that those who work in her will not sin, that is, those who dwell spiritually in our Lady will never commit serious sin.

4) We may be formed in our Lord and our Lord formed in us, because her womb is, as the early Fathers call it, the house of the divine secrets where Jesus and all the elect have been conceived. “This one and that one were born in her.”

The little treatise on “True Devotion” is not an “easy read” for it requires much prayer to the Holy Spirit to receive an increase in His Gifts of Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding Counsel, Fortitude, Piety and Fear of the Lord. This is not an ordinary book but one written by a saint who steeped himself prayerfully in Scripture before he wrote.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your Faithful; kindle in us, the Fire of Your Love. Jesus we trust in You! Mary, Mother of the Church pray for us.

 

[anna]

Thank you so much for posting so beautiful words from Si. Louis de Montfort, which I read and reread to my oldest daughter. God bless you.

O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee.

 

[MariaChristi]

Dear anna,

And thank you , for your “heart” to like the words you read – and even more to share the words of St. Louis de Montfort with your daughter. I was only a teenager when I became familiar with his True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, through my religion teacher in Catholic High School, a Dominican nun who was also the spiritual director of our Legion of Mary Group.

We really “owe” it to the younger generations to help them to know the great Gift of Mary Whom Jesus gave to us on Calvary with the words:

“Behold your Mother”

It would be good to read the whole treatise – either the online version see HERE or purchase a copy see HERE. Depending on the age of your daughter you may want to read a little each day together.

I prayed my Act of Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary when I was about 15 yrs old but I’m not sure when I began to read de Montfort as carefully as I do today. Supernatural Grace is intended by God to grow throughout our lifetime and into eternity. I know I am very grateul for the graces I have received to grow in my love for Jesus through Mary, and God has given me grace through His Holy Spirit to appreciate Mary more each day. How Good and Faithful God is – He is a Father who knows how to give goog gifts to His children!

Parents are wise to learn, as you have, how to share His gifts with the children (in this case your oldest daughter) whom God gave to you. Thanks so much for your reply. It is a great encouragement to me to keep sharing the gift of Mary given to us all.