Marian devotion.....and when it gets too far?

[Marie16]

I like this topic. It’s something I tend to think of often as I would say most Catholics I know seem to focus their entire prayer life on Mary. I’m never sure what to think of it besides it’s intriguing.

I had what I would consider a strong devotion to the rosary prior to becoming Catholic and would partially credit this with me eventually becoming Catholic. After becoming Catholic I was well… no longer fond of the rosary and never could figure out why.

I do not personally like the phrase “pray to” when it ends with anyone other than God. It makes it hard for me to distinguish who God is from the saints. I also think it tends to confuse our Protestant friends and there’s enough confusion there already.

I would think that’s when it goes too far - not being able to separate who God is from who Mary is. I prefer to use the phrase “intercede for” so I keep the line clear in my head. I think of Mary and the saints more as my friends who before becoming saints lived a life similar to that of myself on Earth. I’m very fond of asking them to intercede for me, especially if there’s something I’m struggling with and do not think I can go directly to God. I like to think they intercede for me regularly, including Mary…even if I have been rather neglectful of my relationship with her since becoming Catholic. Mary and the saints are a great gift to us all and their friendship is unparalleled. Personally, I know they’ve gotten me through some tough times when I had no one else to go to.

 

[Cjbhoward]

I’ve studied and tried to do the Marian Consecration about 3 times now. Every time I stop short of doing it because I’m afraid it might be too much. Yes, I know what St. Louis de Montfort says, but perhaps he was wrong. That is what continually goes through my head. It just seems like the words said during the consecration crosses that fine line. I may be wrong, but I haven’t convinced myself yet.

I believe we are all called one way or another to express & live our faith in one way or another. Just as some are called to be priest, religious, doctors, or law enforcement, some are called to the service of Mary. Some are called to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Some are called to feed the poor.

If you are called to true Marion devotion, which is Christocentric, it is possible the evil one throws obstacles in your way.

I would consider the words of consecration that g8ve you trouble, pray over them for a few minutes, then pick up the bible & read a few verses.

Do the same thing for a few days & see if those words are still troublesome.

 

[Sarcelle]

I have heard similar stories from women who have had a troubled relationship with their fathers and now have problems with God the Father.

 

[Sarcelle]

Technically my boss can be also called my co-worker.

I mean we do work together but he’s in charge.