2. Background
• True Devotion singled out by Pope St. John
Paul II in encyclical, Redemptoris Mater (On
the Mother of the Redeemer)
• Consecration – an “effective means for
Christians to live out their baptismal
commitments.”
• ”
3. Background
• Goals of de Montfort:
• “Mary has been imperfectly
known until now. This is why
Jesus is not known.”
• Mary much more necessary to
people to attain heaven.
• Amend thinking that “Marian
devotion is merely something
optional in spiritual life.”
4. Practicing Devotion,
3 key Reasons
• The “Principle of Purification” and Mary’s
intermediary role.
• Purify good works.
• Embellish acts of charity
• Cause them to be acceptable to the Lord
5. Practicing Devotion,
3 key Reasons
• Counteract the sin of pride.
• Overcome temptation that we – on our own –
can give God glory He deserves.
• “Only through Holy Spirit is Christ formed in
Mary’s body,
• Only through Mary does Holy Spirit form the
members of the Mystical Body.”
6. Practicing Devotion,
3 key Reasons
• Mary is the Mother of the human life
of Jesus,
• Mary is the mother of our “spiritual
life.”
• We are not “self-starters” in the life of
faith.
7. A simplified version
• From True Devotion to Mary – St. Louis de
Montfort, Msgr. Vincent Walsh (2005, Key of David
Publications)
• Effects:
• Obtain extraordinary graces
• Treasure of wisdom (powerful weapon)
• Affect your language (transform hearts)
• Rid scruples and fear.
8. practices
1. Consecration.
2. “The Little Crown:”
1. 3 “Our Fathers” (12 glories/12 stars).
2. 12 “Hail Marys” (Trinity).
3. “The Little Chains.”
4. Devotion to the Incarnation (March 25).
5. The “Hail Mary.”
6. The “Magnificat.”
7. Fleeing the world.
