The TAN book says it “includes an expanded Preparation for Total Consecration with readings and prayers.” Is that the 33-day preparation? What’s the difference with the first book’s readings and prayers?
Yes, the expanded preparation has everything you need for the 33 day preparation. I don’t know how to compare it to the book by the other publisher as I am not familiar with that book but the TAN book is all you will need.
One thing I will offer is that the TAN book is reputed to be the most accurate translation from the original text written by St. Louis de Montfort. I have been told this by a Franciscan Friar who recommended consecration to me.
St. Louis de Montfort divides preparation into four sections. In the TAN book, each section has references the relevant sections of True Devotion to Mary to be read each day and has all of the prayers to be recited each day for that section. Some don’t realize that preparation also includes reading selected chapters from *Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis * and these texts are included in the TAN book. The TAN book is all you will need.
Having read True Devotion to Mary twice, having gone through preparation and having been consecrated this past December 8 on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, I would offer the following advice.
I ordered the book well in advance and after looking at the volume of reading, prayer and meditation, I chose to allocate 45 days to the process of preparation instead of just 33 days. I was glad I did and given our schedules with work, children and life in general, if I had to do it over again, I would have given myself two months or more. Unless one has lots of free time, the volume of meditation, prayer and reading can be at bit much. I didn’t want to rush the process and was glad I took longer than the recommended 33 day minimum.
I don’t think four months is unreasonable, and would strongly urge anyone considering Total Consecration to Mary not to rush the process. I recommend taking time to read True Devotion to Mary slowly - it was written several hundred years ago with a very flowery style which can be unfamiliar at times - and so I recommend allocating time to read it at a slower, more deliberate, more prayerful pace. Don’t get me wrong, it is not difficult to read, but I recommend reading it slower and in a prayerful way as much as possible. I read most of it in adoration, and it was wonderful for me.
Again, unless you have lots of free time, the readings and prayers may be a but much for our busy, modern schedules. If your schedule is at all busy, I recommend stretching it out for longer than 33 days. I will go through the process again this year and will take two months, reading and praying each day. I don’t think two months is too long. Others may disagree but that is my opinion based on my schedule.
It’s important not to rush the process and not treat it as something to simple “Get done.” St. Louis de Montfort explains this in his chapters which exlain the difference between false devotion and true devotion. Giving yourself entirely to Jesus through Mary as a slave of the Queen of Heaven and Earth is not a small thing. You are handing over everything - all the merits for all of your good works, all prayers for anyone you love, and even handing over your own salvation to Mary, in return asking only to stand in her presence and serve her, placing complete trust for everything in her loving hands. This is no small step, and as I am reminded every day, the act of consecration itself is just the first step. It is no small thing. Don’t rush it.
You will forever pray with Mary. Every prayer to God the Father and to Jesus Christ you utter will be offered to Mary for her to bring into God’s presence. You will not ask to enter into the presence of Her Son without being escorted in by Her. Every good work you do, every smile you offer to a stranger, every time you hold a door open for someone, every confession, you will do because you will offer it to Jesus through Mary. Every time you recieve the Eucharist, you will thank Mary for making Christ present for you to recieve. You will do this for the rest of your life and it is no small thing, so don’t rush it.
Speak to a priest about your intent, preferably one who has strong devotion to Mary or a priest who prays the rosary regularly. Ask if there is a way you can be consecrated in the context of the Mass. Many priests are quite excited to do this. One person on these forums had a priest offer to do a special Extraordinary Form Mass just for his consecration. I want to The Monastery of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Georgia, where one of the priest monks holds a consecration day on some of the bigger Marian fests. We read the act of consecration, singned our names and placed the signed paper on the altar where they remained while he said the Liturgy of the Eucharist. It was very moving. God willing, I’ll go back to the monastery every Dec 8 to renew.
So I would say to get the TAN book and don’t rush it. August 15 is only five months away. Begin to cultivate a life of prayer if you don’t have it already. Pray every day and read the book slowly. Pray the rosary frequently. Talk to a priest and set aside a special day or event. Consecration is a very special thing. That is my advice.
-Tim-
