Help me understand this Marian prayer's role

[AskSeekKnock]

Decades distilled into a few sentences: I was a cradle Catholic, chose to be confirmed Lutheran as a young adult, and now have found myself drawn back to Catholicism. Ultimately, though, I feel I don’t belong anywhere as there are pieces of both Protestant and Catholic life I do know if I can participate in with a clear conscience.

I have been attending mass lately and at the conclusion of last Saturday’s mass was handed a pamphlet about the parish’s womens’ organization on the way out. The front of the pamphlet has a depiction of Mary and underneath, a prayer:

“My Queen, My Mother, I give myself entirely to you, and to show my devotion to you, I consecrate to you this day my eyes, my ears, my mouth, my heart, my entire self without reserve. As I am your own, my good Mother, guard me and defend me as your property and possession. Amen.”

I have been reading and learning about the Marian Doctrines and the difference between veneration (which is properly and respectfully accorded Mary and the Saints) and adoration (‘worship’, in the modern american vernacular, and which is only accorded to the Trinity). However this particular prayer doesn’t seem to maintain this distinction. I can’t see how ‘giving oneself entirely to’ and ‘consecrating’ oneself to Mary is felt to NOT be ‘worship’ of Mary the way one ‘worships’ Jesus.

Please help me see how this prayer is seen in Catholic eyes.

 

[Quatsch]

Decades distilled into a few sentences: I was a cradle Catholic, chose to be confirmed Lutheran as a young adult, and now have found myself drawn back to Catholicism. Ultimately, though, I feel I don’t belong anywhere as there are pieces of both Protestant and Catholic life I do know if I can participate in with a clear conscience.

I have been attending mass lately and at the conclusion of last Saturday’s mass was handed a pamphlet about the parish’s womens’ organization on the way out. The front of the pamphlet has a depiction of Mary and underneath, a prayer:

“My Queen, My Mother, I give myself entirely to you, and to show my devotion to you, I consecrate to you this day my eyes, my ears, my mouth, my heart, my entire self without reserve. As I am your own, my good Mother, guard me and defend me as your property and possession. Amen.”

I have been reading and learning about the Marian Doctrines and the difference between veneration (which is properly and respectfully accorded Mary and the Saints) and adoration (‘worship’, in the modern american vernacular, and which is only accorded to the Trinity). However this particular prayer doesn’t seem to maintain this distinction. I can’t see how ‘giving oneself entirely to’ and ‘consecrating’ oneself to Mary is felt to NOT be ‘worship’ of Mary the way one ‘worships’ Jesus.

Please help me see how this prayer is seen in Catholic eyes.

I’m interested in what others have to say here. I’m a convert and some of the Marian prayers with such strong language bothered me as well.

One thing that comes to mind is that God completely trusted Mary with his Son. If he can do that, then I think we can too. We know that Mary never sinned and her will was conformed to God’s, because of that turning to her will never fail us.

I would recommend St. Louis de Montfort’s True Devotion to Mary (which can be found on ewtn’s website here: ewtn.com/library/montfort/truedevo.htm )

Here is an excerpt from the very beginning of the first chapter:

1. With the whole Church I acknowledge that Mary, being a mere creature fashioned by the hands of God is, compared to his infinite majesty, less than an atom, or rather is simply nothing, since he alone can say, “I am he who is”. Consequently, this great Lord, who is ever independent and self-sufficient, never had and does not now have any absolute need of the Blessed Virgin for the accomplishment of his will and the manifestation of his glory. To do all things he has only to will them.

1. However, I declare that, considering things as they are, because God has decided to begin and accomplish his greatest works through the Blessed Virgin ever since he created her, we can safely believe that he will not change his plan in the time to come, for he is God and therefore does not change in his thoughts or his way of acting.

It is only because God gave her to us as our mother that we can give ourselves to her in such a way. And in doing so we draw ourselves nearer to God.

Anyway, that is an attempt at formulating my thoughts on this…I’m sure others will do much better, but I hope that at least gets the discussion rolling.

Blessings,

Q

 

[praise_Jesus_1]

I believe this consecration prayer can be attributed to a Jesuit Father Nicholaus(or Nicholas) Zucchi.

Originally in latin it’s titled O Domina Mea!

It appears this comes from some time in the 17th century. As well he made ground breaking contributions with the use of the reflecting telescope.

 

[VociMike]

Well in the first place I would note that, as a lifelong Catholic (but non-practicing for a good many years) I’ve never heard of this prayer before. So I think it’s safe to say that it is not front and center as far as Catholic Marian prayers go.

As for the language, I wouldn’t say this prayer myself. I just don’t see the need or purpose. And I consider myself a Catholic who has a fair understanding, and a very great appreciation, of Mary’s singular place in the life of the Church.

 

[Della]

The purpose of this Marian prayer is to give oneself entirely to Mary so that she may mold one into the image of her Son. The prayer doesn’t say this, but then it’s not a theological treatise but a prayer.

Prayers of this sort assume a courtly approach to God–going through those closest to him in order to be more acceptable. It’s like asking the person in charge of protocol at the White House what one ought to do when meeting the president, so when one meets him one knows what to say and do.

Mary takes our prayers, cleanses them of all self-interest, and presents them to her Son. She sort of runs interference, in the best sense of the word. It’s not that Jesus won’t hear us directly but rather that we wish to approach him properly disposed.

Devoting oneself to another is not necessarily on the level of adoration. Married people devote themselves entirely to their spouses, parents to the children, soldiers to their country, etc. None of these are adoring the ones to whom they have devoted themselves. This is the same kind of devotion to Mary, which is subordinate to that of adoration for God alone.

 

[Ave_Maria_1]

Yes, I have prayed this prayer–many many times. I am consecrated to Jesus through Mary. She was the channel God chose for His Son and she is our channel as well.

Yes, the strong Marian language is difficult to embrace at first. Keep reading and praying about all this. Yes, St. Louis de Montfort’s True Devotion to Mary is incredible. Also St. Alphonsus Liguori’s Glories of Mary* and the works of St. Maximilian Kolbe and also of the theologian Fr. Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange’s The Mother of the Savior. These are just a few titles you may wish to consider.

Our Lady does one thing and will do it throughout all of time: she brings souls to her Son. She brought me. I owe all my spiritual life to her. Yes, by the grace merited by her Son but she is the distributor of that grace by God’s design.

Our Lord gave His Mother to us with some of His last words before dying on the Cross; it was as a last will so to speak. And as our heavenly Mother, her tender care is unparalleled.

God bless you!
Ave Maria!*

 

[Todd_Easton]

If God had no problem entrusting his Son entirely to the care and protection of the Virgin Mary when Jesus Christ was conceived in her womb and she proved worthy of that divine trust, why would you have a problem with someone entrusting himself entirely to the care and protection of the Virgin Mary?

 

[VociMike]

Yes, I have prayed this prayer–many many times. I am consecrated to Jesus through Mary. She was the channel God chose for His Son and she is our channel as well.

Perhaps my problem with the prayer is that it mentions nothing about “Jesus through Mary”. In fact, it mentions nothing about God whatsoever.

 

[Della]

Perhaps my problem with the prayer is that it mentions nothing about “Jesus through Mary”. In fact, it mentions nothing about God whatsoever.

And neither does the Song of Songs, but it’s still Scripture. IOW, prayers are not theological treatises, as I stated in my first post here. They aren’t composed to explain such things. The Our Father doesn’t mention the Son or the Holy Spirit, but we know it’s perfectly fine because Jesus gave it to us. Any prayer approved by the Church may be prayed with full confidence. Understanding those prayers is a matter of study on our part.

 

[NHInsider]

And neither does the Song of Songs, but it’s still Scripture. IOW, prayers are not theological treatises, as I stated in my first post here. They aren’t composed to explain such things. The Our Father doesn’t mention the Son or the Holy Spirit, but we know it’s perfectly fine because Jesus gave it to us. Any prayer approved by the Church may be prayed with full confidence. Understanding those prayers is a matter of study on our part.

At the same time, if you are not comfortable with a particular devotion or prayer, you are not obliged to pray it! The Mass, the Our Father, the Gloria - these are part of all our worship. There is a huge panoply of Marian prayers and devotions, and not one of them is obligatory for our salvation.

 

[AskSeekKnock]

If God had no problem entrusting his Son entirely to the care and protection of the Virgin Mary when Jesus Christ was conceived in her womb and she proved worthy of that divine trust, why would you have a problem with someone entrusting himself entirely to the care and protection of the Virgin Mary?

Because if I entrust myself to Mary entirely, and she is entirely capable of providing for me what I need, then I wouldn’t need Christ, and yet I know in my heart and mind I need Christ, and thirst for Him.

Because I do not know where the line is between hyperdulia and latria and wish not to improperly cross it in either direction.

Because I am struggling to understand many things new to me and I pray for right understanding.

 

[Della]

Because if I entrust myself to Mary entirely, and she is entirely capable of providing for me what I need, then I wouldn’t need Christ, and yet I know in my heart and mind I need Christ, and thirst for Him.

Because I do not know where the line is between hyperdulia and latria and wish not to improperly cross it in either direction.

Because I am struggling to understand many things new to me and I pray for right understanding.

As NHInsider rightly pointed out, Marian prayers are not obligatory (a claim I never made–just for clarification ). Unless you feel comfortable praying such prayers you certainly don’t have to pray them. Those who do pray them understand Mary is subordinate to her Son in all things. They pray it with that idea firmly in mind, or at least they ought to.

A better way to become a part of the prayer life of the Church for you would probably be Morning and Evening Prayer. There are several approved versions for lay people. Until you have a good grasp of Marian doctrine/dogma praying Marian prayers might not be for you. Although, if you are comfortable with the Hail Mary prayer, the rosary is always a good prayer routine to start with, but once again, only if you understand Mary’s true place within the life of the Church.

 

[AskSeekKnock]

I do appreciate those suggestions, Della, very practical and I am glad for any road map there may be for folks like me!

The heart of my struggle with the role of Mary (among my other doctrinal struggles) is concern for my children. They’re still very young, but after years of me being half-Catholic, half-Lutheran (though I’m certain both sects would deny you could ever be so, however, that’s the best way I can describe it) I’m hungry for a church home and want to know where to raise my kids so that they may know and seek God and be saved. So I’m trying hard here, and praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to find where we belong, before they get any older, as I don’t want them to be so confused as I am.

And prayers like these are a stumbling block, not because of the prayer itself, but for the underlying teaching, because I can’t understand how to reconcile that prayer with “I AM the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me.”

 

[VociMike]

I do appreciate those suggestions, Della, very practical and I am glad for any road map there may be for folks like me!

The heart of my struggle with the role of Mary (among my other doctrinal struggles) is concern for my children. They’re still very young, but after years of me being half-Catholic, half-Lutheran (though I’m certain both sects would deny you could ever be so, however, that’s the best way I can describe it) I’m hungry for a church home and want to know where to raise my kids so that they may know and seek God and be saved. So I’m trying hard here, and praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to find where we belong, before they get any older, as I don’t want them to be so confused as I am.

And prayers like these are a stumbling block, not because of the prayer itself, but for the underlying teaching, because I can’t understand how to reconcile that prayer with “I AM the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me.”

I understand your position and your concerns. But recognize that what the Catholic faith teaches and what some Catholics do (or have done over the centuries) are two very different things. Judge the Catholic faith by the Catholic faith, that is, by her official teachings, prayers and liturgies. And her official teachings, prayers and liturgies are unquestionably God-centered.

For example, I once counted all the references to God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) in the Catholic Mass, and compared them to all the references to Mary. There are well over 100 references to God in the Mass, and somewhere between 2 and 4 references to Mary. And that doesn’t even count the scripture readings, which of course will reference God many, many more times than Mary.

 

[Della]

I do appreciate those suggestions, Della, very practical and I am glad for any road map there may be for folks like me!

The heart of my struggle with the role of Mary (among my other doctrinal struggles) is concern for my children. They’re still very young, but after years of me being half-Catholic, half-Lutheran (though I’m certain both sects would deny you could ever be so, however, that’s the best way I can describe it) I’m hungry for a church home and want to know where to raise my kids so that they may know and seek God and be saved. So I’m trying hard here, and praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to find where we belong, before they get any older, as I don’t want them to be so confused as I am.

And prayers like these are a stumbling block, not because of the prayer itself, but for the underlying teaching, because I can’t understand how to reconcile that prayer with “I AM the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me.”

I understand your reticence because I once had the same reservations. I was brought up Episcopalian, left for the Assemblies of God in my teens, returned to the Episcopal Church in my 30’s and became Catholic a couple years later in 1987. Confusion was my middle name for many years! And, of course you want what is best for your children.

Let’s use the analogy of children here. Children are very elemental, aren’t they? They discern differences between themselves and their siblings and their parents. They’ve got everyone down pat–who is the naughtiest, which parent will be more likely to give them what they want, how much they can get away with. They’re also attracted to relationships with others–kids at daycare or school, teachers, relatives, etc. They know the hierarchy of all these relationships by nature. No one had to tell them these things.

What happens as we grow older? We begin to told by others who we are to love and how much. I think that is what happens to us all. Well, God never intended that we should be told, but that we should know by nature who is to be honored more than another and how we are to show our love for each one. God is above us all–you, me, Mary, every person who was ever born. No one can take his place in our hearts unless we push him aside for idols.

What Jesus means by “no one comes to the Father except by me” is that he is the only redeemer of humankind. Mary is not our redeemer. She is an intercessor of a lower order–being that she is only a human being and not divine. Jesus’ intercession (and the Holy Spirit’s) are of a higher order being that they are divine. Jesus’ intercession concerns making us just with the Father. Mary doesn’t have that kind of intercession any more than you or I do. She prays for us as we pray for one another. Her prayers are stronger with God than ours because she is in heaven and is perfect. We’re still struggling with sin, the flesh, and the devil. She has defeated these by her faithfulness to God. All the Saints in heaven have. It’s why having them on our side to help us with their prayers is so wonderful.

Being devoted to Mary means being devoted to living as she did in complete fidelity to God’s will in all things. We may ask her to aid us by her prayers by consecrating ourselves to being like her. But, this is all dependent on knowing that Mary has no other interest other than bringing us to her Son. If she wanted adoration for herself she wouldn’t be a Saint she’d be something evil. But, she has no other interests other than those of her Son’s and his Father’s. From the moment she said her yes to God she never looked back, but gave herself entirely to him. By giving ourselves to her we are asking her to give us (as she did herself) to God. She’s a mother, teacher, example, friend, not God himself.

As I said, this is a teaching that takes time to absorb through learning all you can and prayer. You may never wish to be consecrated to Mary, but you don’t have to. As VociMike pointed out, you only have to accept the Church’s teachings about her. And what helps us do that is keeping in mind that everything the Church teaches about Mary is meant to teach us a truth about Christ. He is the one who is exalted in these teachings more than Mary. The Marian teachings are a safeguard against heresies–those against Christ which the Church warded off in its early days, as well as those man may devise in the future.

Here is what the Catechism of the Catholic Church has to say about Mary. It’s not a lot to read and will help get you started in your own journey of discovery. God bless you and yours–you are in my prayers.

 

[AskSeekKnock]

Thank you Della!

 

[Della]

Thank you Della!

You’re entirely welcome. Just glad to be able to share what I’ve learned.