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Lupe_Lu
Guest
I recommend reading “True Devotion to Mary,” by Louis DeMontfort, that should clear up all confusion and get you on the path to salvation.
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Ohana
Guest
Kind of like thinking about two lines of inquiry at once isn’t it.
Actually not. First of all, after saying the Hail Mary many times over the years, you kind of go on automatic pilot. Sometimes when I say the rosary, such as when driving, I really stay with the words so I stay in the here and now. If I am meditating on the mysteries, **I usually ask Mary to lead me **into better understanding, I say the mystery, the Our Father, then start the Hail Mary’s. The beads are kind of a trigger to start another one, but I focus or picture in my mind what is happening in the mystery at the time and just let my mind drift. I do not try to monitor my every word of the Hail Mary.Hope this helps although I realize it is very subjective. I don’t usually bold, by this seemed to be the operative part of this narrative. Go for it and my best to you.
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TrueLight
Guest
LOL! Interesting you should write this right under his post speaking of his confusion while reading the same.
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JM3
Guest
vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xii/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_p-xii_apc_19501101_munificentissimus-deus_en.html
Perhaps, reading this will help.
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GaryTaylor
Guest
Something how you find yourself being led, isn’t it? And you are. I know its difficult for many to wrap there mind around this. Its a mystery that draws one into a deeper love of the Lord and a clearer understanding of how His Mother fits into His plan for salvation.
“Never will anyone who says his Rosary every day be led astray. This is a statement that I would gladly sign with my blood.” St Louis de Montfort
I’m of the conviction that he is 100% correct.
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maltmom
Guest
Thank you Ohana.Kind of like thinking about two lines of inquiry at once isn’t it.
Hope this helps although I realize it is very subjective. I don’t usually bold, by this seemed to be the operative part of this narrative. Go for it and my best to you.
I haven’t hit autopilot yet. I still focus on the words.
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De_Montfort
Guest
“The special grace of all devotions to Mary is union with Jesus” (Father Faber) FYI Father Faber translated “True Devotion to Mary”
St. Louis de Montfort makes it very clear that devotion to Mary is a way of loving Our Lord
From "True devotion to Mary"
62.“If then we are establishing sound devotion to Our Blessed Lady, it is only in order to establish devotion to Our Lord more perfectly, by providing a smooth but certain way of reaching Jesus Christ. If devotion to Our Lady distracted us from Our Lord, we would have to reject it as an illusion of the devil. But this is far from being the case. As I have already shown and will show again later on, this devotion is necessary, simply and solely because it is a way of reaching Jesus perfectly, loving him tenderly, and serving him faithfully”
In no way does St. Louis de Montfort make Christ out to be a “tack on” to devotoin to Mary!
Also in "True devotion to Mary"
- “For we never give more honor to Jesus than when we honor his Mother, and we honor her simply and solely to honor him all the more perfectly. We go to her only as a way leading to the goal we seek–Jesus, her Son.”
From "Secret of Mary"
“Mary was created only for God, and it is unthinkable that she should reserve even one soul for herself. On the contrary she leads every soul striaght to God and to union with him. Mary is the wonderful echo of God. The more a person joins himself to her, the more effectively she unites him to God. When we say ‘Mary’ she re-echos ‘God.’”
It’s frustrating to see so much misunderstand of Mary and Christ. You can’t take away the fact that God has joined them together and that Mary brings about union with Christ and gives everything to Jesus her Son.
But like St. Louis de Montfort said not many know of this devotion and only the Holy Spirit can reveal it!
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robwar
Guest
another good book is “Introduction to Mary, The heart of Marian Doctrine and Devotion” by Mark Miravalle. I liked St. Louis De Montfort’s book and I am not sure if you read it and were confused or just looking into it. I thought he was clear in his book that true devotion to Mary should and does always lead us to Jesus but I did read it later after being Catholic than in the beginning. God bless you on your journey!
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loko
Guest
The way I see it we could learn a lot from Mary.
She accepted Gods will and plan for her with no complaints or arguments or denials like the Apostles.
She is the first Christian.
She is the Ark of the New Covenant. When you read about the reverence the Israelites had towards the Ark of the Old Covenant you understand why Catholics revere Mary.
Below is a 11minute presentation about Mary and the Scriptures that I show my primary school students. It clearly explains Mary’s position in simple language.
youtube.com/watch?v=kUdYeYy3NQA
She accepted Gods will and plan for her with no complaints or arguments or denials like the Apostles.
She is the first Christian.
She is the Ark of the New Covenant. When you read about the reverence the Israelites had towards the Ark of the Old Covenant you understand why Catholics revere Mary.
Below is a 11minute presentation about Mary and the Scriptures that I show my primary school students. It clearly explains Mary’s position in simple language.
youtube.com/watch?v=kUdYeYy3NQA
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TimothyH
Guest
Another thing to remember, in the spirituality of St. Louis, is to pray with Mary.
I sometimes, more often than not when I pray, ask Mary to pray with me, to escort me into the presence of her Son, to sit beside me, hold my hand, and to pray with me. I sometimes let Mary lead the prayers - the Our Father or maybe the Liturgy of the Hours. When I don’t know what to pray I say, “Mary, help me to pray to your Son for I don’t know how to pray as I ought.” Mary’s reply is usually very simple… “Just tell him that you love him.”
In the same way that we place ourselves in God’s presence, for me, it can be very powerful to place myself in Mary’s presence, to know that she is there beside me, and that she helps me to speak to her Son.
For me it isn’t always about praying to Mary, but sometimes asking Mary to pray with me.
-Tim-
I sometimes, more often than not when I pray, ask Mary to pray with me, to escort me into the presence of her Son, to sit beside me, hold my hand, and to pray with me. I sometimes let Mary lead the prayers - the Our Father or maybe the Liturgy of the Hours. When I don’t know what to pray I say, “Mary, help me to pray to your Son for I don’t know how to pray as I ought.” Mary’s reply is usually very simple… “Just tell him that you love him.”
In the same way that we place ourselves in God’s presence, for me, it can be very powerful to place myself in Mary’s presence, to know that she is there beside me, and that she helps me to speak to her Son.
For me it isn’t always about praying to Mary, but sometimes asking Mary to pray with me.
-Tim-
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Hesychios
Guest
I hope that you were not given the impression from someone that Montfortian spirituality is de rigueur for Catholics.
It is not. Most Catholics don’t know who he was and have not done any of the consecrations he recommends. Of course, if you are convinced you want to go this route go for it, I just think it is a bit much for a brand new Catholic, some find it disturbing.
If you are open to other suggestions, there has been a suggestion to read Bishop Sheen’s book: * The World’s First Love - Mary Mother of God*. I think that would be a good start for a new Catholic.
I would also read The Lord, by father Romano Guardini, a real classic focusing on the life and passion of our savior. These two books should ground you in Catholic spirituality without overwhelming you.
For Catholic prayers I can recommend the Handbook of Prayers published by the Midwest Theological Forum, well done and includes prayers to the Blessed Virgin, Mary of Nazareth.
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De_Montfort
Guest
Pope Benedict XVI recently gave his blessing to Cardinal Justin Rigali on the devotion to Mary by St. Louis de Montfort
It is a spiritual devotion **developed by St. Louis de Montfort under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to bring souls to a perfect imitation of Christ by imitating His Mother. ** This Consecration or Entrustment is accomplished through a 33 day exercise of prayer (about 5-10 minutes per day) under His Mother’s care. Total Consecration is the renewal of our Baptismal vows, which in most cases were made on our behalf by parents and godparents, but instead we now choose to make this commitment of our own free will.
Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II have urged Catholics to make this Act of Entrustment, which God highlighted at Fatima, with Our Mother’s plea: “God wishes to establish devotion to my Immaculate Heart and promises salvation to those who embrace it.” We are participating in a national effort blessed and supported by Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia and other bishops.
LINK
It is a spiritual devotion **developed by St. Louis de Montfort under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to bring souls to a perfect imitation of Christ by imitating His Mother. ** This Consecration or Entrustment is accomplished through a 33 day exercise of prayer (about 5-10 minutes per day) under His Mother’s care. Total Consecration is the renewal of our Baptismal vows, which in most cases were made on our behalf by parents and godparents, but instead we now choose to make this commitment of our own free will.
Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II have urged Catholics to make this Act of Entrustment, which God highlighted at Fatima, with Our Mother’s plea: “God wishes to establish devotion to my Immaculate Heart and promises salvation to those who embrace it.” We are participating in a national effort blessed and supported by Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia and other bishops.
LINK
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Brooklyn
Guest
I just have to ask what the purpose is of discouraging people from reading St. Louis Marie de Montfort. As has been posted by De Montfort here, St. Louis Marie de Montfort is highly recommended by our current Pope, and his immediate predecessor, Blessed Pope John Paul II, had nothing but good things to say about him. In fact, he said that reading “True Devotion to Mary” completely changed his life.
How about just letting people, especially new converts, make their own decision? St. Lous Marie de Montfort is not and never has been on any kind of “forbidden reading” book. He is a cannonized saint of the church and a candidate for doctor of the church. He is considered the top authority for Marian devotion. He is not someone that should be put on any kind of “ignore” list.
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Credo_in_Deum
Guest
I never had a problem with Montfort’s Marian devotion. I personally believe that Mary is directly involved in the salvation of all mankind, not because she has this power of her own, but because God has willed her to be our mother and thus form us as she formed Christ when he was on this earth. Whether we like it or not I believe Mary is continuously cooperating with her Son for the salvation of mankind and I also believe we should have a strong devotion to Saint Joseph for the same reasons. We are sons of God, and as sons we are called to be formed and taught by the same people Christ willed to be formed and taught by. As Christ said no servant is above his Master.
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TimothyH
Guest
My opinion is that five to ten minutes per day for 33 days is nowhere near enough.Pope Benedict XVI recently gave his blessing to Cardinal Justin Rigali on the devotion to Mary by St. Louis de Montfort
It is a spiritual devotion **developed by St. Louis de Montfort under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to bring souls to a perfect imitation of Christ by imitating His Mother. ** This Consecration or Entrustment is accomplished through a 33 day exercise of prayer (about 5-10 minutes per day) under His Mother’s care. Total Consecration is the renewal of our Baptismal vows, which in most cases were made on our behalf by parents and godparents, but instead we now choose to make this commitment of our own free will.
Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II have urged Catholics to make this Act of Entrustment, which God highlighted at Fatima, with Our Mother’s plea: “God wishes to establish devotion to my Immaculate Heart and promises salvation to those who embrace it.” We are participating in a national effort blessed and supported by Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia and other bishops.
LINK
Consecration to Mary is not a small matter. You are surrendering everything to Mary.
*This day, with the whole court of heaven as witness, I choose you, Mary, as my Mother and Queen. I surrender and consecrate myself to you, body and soul, with all that I possess, both spiritual and material, even including the spiritual value of all my actions, past, present and to come. *
The act of consecration which I signed had this text at its heart. I read it out loud, signed and dated it in the presence of many witnesses, including Cistercian monks, and placed the signed paper on the altar of Jesus Christ where the Mass was then celebrated.
In this text I have relinqueshed any claim to any good that I have ever done, or will ever do in my life. I cannot claim for myself the benefit to my salvation which any prayer, any act of kindness in the name of Jesus Christ, or any faithfulness to God would have brought me. I have given that up willingly, knowing that Mary knows better how to use it.
If Mary decides that the merit which I as a Christian have gained by cutting my sick neighbor’s lawn, that this merit is better applied to Joe Schmoe, or some guy in the eighth century, or Bill Gates, or Saddam Hussein, then so be it. I have willingly given it up, because the Mother of God knows best how to apply that tiny drop of merit for the greater glory of God and salvation of souls.
A few minutes each day for 33 days, in my optionion, is nowhere near enough. I know people who have done it that way and take it very seriously, but also other’s who for them it is just some pious act they made and they don’t really ever think about it much.
For me it was a big step. I know it is not like consecration for religious who take solemn vows, but I took it seriously. It is a promise to God, signed in front of witnesses and placed on the altar. I don’t take it lightly.
-Tim-
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Hesychios
Guest
If you read my post again, you will see I told the person to do just that.
Would you rather I didn’t offer any alternatives? I think the person has a right to be able to make an informed decision, and had genuine concerns that deserved a response.
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De_Montfort
Guest
My goal was not to make light of the great importance of the consecration. I just wanted to show that Popes including our current have blessed this consecration!
I wish that I could have done it the way you did, with holy monks present! I had to do mine at home, I did the 33 day formula. Your right! This consecration is a way of life, we are giving EVERYTHING to Mary in order to belong completely to Jesus! I am happy to see the passion you have in saying what you said.
Thanks Brooklyn awesome point
I believe as time goes on this devotion will be known and practiced by many. Pope Benedict XVI asked for the Church to pray for a new pentecost! The Holy Spirit will reveal the Secret of Mary to many who are humble!!
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jwinch2
Guest
No one is suggesting that people should not read de Montfort. People are suggesting that it might not be the best choice for brand new Catholics or those who are in the process of discerning conversion to the Church. That is all. No one is suggesting that it is forbidden or anything of the sort.
The original poster claimed they had some concerns about what they were reading, that is why people are responding. Throwing out quotes from Blessed JP2 or Pope Benedict is not really helpful. Those two wonderful men are in a far different place in terms of their spiritual growth and knowledge of Marian devotion than someone who is coming to know Mary for the first time.
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De_Montfort
Guest
So because of someones misunderstanding of St. Louis de Montforts writings the person should be lead away to something else or facts should not be given so that they understand it is approved by the Church?
Telling them to ignore such teaching is not really helpful either!
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jwinch2
Guest
No, they should be given the time to mature spiritually before expecting them to dive into something that even long time Catholics admit can be difficult. They should be able to approach the Faith in a manner which allows them to grow organically instead of being thrown into the deep end of the pool on their first day. Heck, the OP likened it to trying to learn advanced trig when they are still struggling with basic algebra. That ought to tell you and anyone else who is paying attention that they are not ready. That is all. Again, no one is telling them to ignore the teaching, people are simply telling them to take their time and reminding people who are brand new to the faith that such things are not required because all to often, private devotions such as this are presented as if they are essential to the Faith, and they are not.
De Montfort’s writings are some of the more challenging and nuanced, particularly for converts and potential converts. You might spend some time reading the forums and looking at other similar threads before responding in the manner that you have. If you do, you will see quickly that Marian devotion, particularly when taken to the level that de Montfort does, is one of the most commonly asked questions and sources of discomfort for those looking to come into the Church. Telling people who are in such circumstances that various popes have supported it or that you happen to like it does not alleviate their situation at all.
Finally, people are steering the OP to the Catechism, Fulton Sheen’s book, Cardinal Ratzinger’s book, or the book on the Church Fathers and Mary because they represent are more complete and dogmatic description of what one, as a Catholic, needs to believe and accept regarding Marian doctrine. The OP can come into the Church, be a completely faithful Catholic, and never read a shred of de Montfort.
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