In The Total  Consecration To Jesus Through Mary   

Ad Iesum Per Mariam!

By  St. Louis Marie DeMontfort  

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Part 4: From the 27th day to the 33rd day

                           Theme: KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST

Acts of love of God, thanksgiving for the blessings of Jesus,

contrition and resolution.

During this period we shall apply ourselves to the study of Jesus Christ. What is to be studied in Jesus Christ?

First: The Man-God, His grace and glory, then His rights to sovereign dominion over us; since, having renounced Satan and the world, we have taken Jesus Christ as our Lord.

Second: His interior life, namely, the virtues and the acts of His Sacred Heart; His association with Mary in the mysteries of the Annunciation and Incarnation; during His infancy and hidden life, at the Feast of Cana and on Calvary.

Day 27

     True Devotion : Nos. 61, 62

Christ our Last End

Jesus Christ our Savior, true God and true Man, ought to be the last end of all our devotions, else they are false and delusive. Jesus Christ is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, of all things. We labor not, as the Apostle says, except to render every man perfect in Jesus Christ; because it is in Him alone that the whole plenitude of the Divinity dwells together with all the other plenitudes of graces, virtues and perfections. It is in Him alone that we have been blessed with all spiritual benediction; and He is our only Master, Who has to teach us; our only Lord on Whom we ought to depend; our only Head to Whom we must be united: our only Model to Whom we should conform ourselves; our only Physician Who can heal us; our only Shepherd Who can feed us; our only Way Who can lead us; our only Truth Whom we must believe; our only Life Who can animate us; and our only All in all things Who can satisfy us. There has been no other name given under heaven, except the name of Jesus, by which we can be saved. God has laid no other foundation of our salvation, our perfection or our glory, than Jesus Christ. Every building which is not built on that firm rock is founded upon the moving sand, and sooner or later infallibly will fall.

By Jesus Christ, with Jesus Christ, in Jesus Christ, we can do all things; we can render all honor and glory to the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost; we can become perfect ourselves, and be to our neighbor a good odor of eternal life.

If, then, we establish solid devotion to our Blessed Lady, it is only to establish more perfect devotion to Jesus Christ, and to provide an easy and secure means for finding Jesus Christ. Devotion to our Lady is necessary for us, as I have already shown, and will show still further hereafter, as a means of finding Jesus Christ perfectly, of loving Him tenderly, of serving Him faithfully.

Now Pray:  Part 4 Daily Prayers

Litany of the Holy Ghost, Ave Maris Stella,

Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus,

St. Louis De Montfort’s Prayer to Jesus

Day 28

     St. Matthew: Chapter 26: 1, 26-29; 36-46

The conspiracy against Jesus

Jesus had now finished all he wanted to say, and he told his disciples, “It will be Passover, as you know, in two days’ time, and the son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”

The Institution of the Eucharist

Now as they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and when he had said the blessing he broke it and gave it to the disciples, “Take it and eat,” he said, “This is my body.” Then he took the cup, and when he had returned thanks, he gave it to them “Drink all of you from this,” he said “for this is my blood, the blood of the covenant, which is to be poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. From now on, I tell you, I shall not drink wine until the day I drink the new wine with you in the kingdom of my Father.”

Gethsemane

Then Jesus came with them to a small estate called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Stay here while I go over there to pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee with him. And sadness came over him, and great distress. Then he said to them “My soul is sorrowful to the point of death. Wait here and keep awake with me.” And going on a little further he fell on his face and prayed. “My Father,” he said, “if it is possible, let this cup pass me by. Nevertheless, let it be as you, not I, would have it.” He came back to the disciples and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “So you had not the strength to keep awake with me one hour? You should be awake, and praying not to be put to the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, a second time, he went away and prayed: “My Father,” he said, “if this cup cannot pass by without my drinking it, your will be done.” And he came again back and found them sleeping, their eyes were so heavy. Leaving them there, he went away again and prayed for the third time, “You can sleep on now and take your rest. Now the hour has come when the Son of Man is to be betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up! Let us go! My betrayer is already close at hand.”

Now Pray:  Part 4 Daily Prayers

Litany of the Holy Ghost, Ave Maris Stella,

Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus,

St. Louis De Montfort’s Prayer to Jesus  

Day 29

     Imitation: Book 1, Chapter 1

Of the imitation of Christ and indifference to earthly vanities

He who follows me does not walk in darkness. (John 8:12) Christ reminds you with these words that you must imitate His life, if you wish to be truly enlightened and freed from all blindness of heart. Your main task therefore, should be to study the life of Our Lord.

The teaching of Christ is greater than the advice of all the saints taken together. And if you study it with His frame of mind and heart, you will find in His teaching a hidden source of consolation and strength. Unfortunately, however, so many people care little or nothing about the Word of God, even though they have heard it time and time again, because they do not have the spirit of Christ. Yet, if you really want to understand the Words of Christ, you must try to pattern your whole life on His.

What good is it to be able to explain the doctrine of the Blessed Trinity if you displease the Blessed Trinity by your lack of humility? It is a good life that makes you pleasing to God, not high-sounding words and clever expressions. It is better to feel contrition for your sins than to know how to define it. What good is it to know the entire Bible by heart and to learn the sayings of all the philosophers if you live without grace and the Love of God?

Vanity of vanities, all is vanity unless you serve God and love Him with your whole heart. (Ecclesiastes 1:2) The greatest wisdom of all is to see the kingdom of heaven by despising the things of this world.

Now Pray:  Part 4 Daily Prayers

Litany of the Holy Ghost, Ave Maris Stella,

Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus,

St. Louis De Montfort’s Prayer to Jesus  

Day 30

     St. Matthew: Chapter 27: 36-44

The crucifixion

…and then sat down and stayed there keeping guard over Him. Above His head was placed the charge against Him; it read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” At the same time two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left.

The crucified Christ is mocked

The passers-by jeered at Him; they shook their heads and said, “So you would destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days! Then save yourself! If you are God’s son, come down from the cross!” The chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him in the same way. “He saved others;” they said, “He cannot save himself. He is the king of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He puts hiis trust in God; now let God rescue him if he wants him. For he did say, “I am the Son of God.” Even the robbers who were crucified with Him taunted Him in the same way.

     Imitation: Book 2, Chapter 12

The Royal Road of the Cross

To many the saying, “Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Me,” seems hard. How much harder, however, will the words on the Day of Judgment be: Depart from Me, you accursed ones, into the everlasting fire. (Matthew 25:41) Those who follow the cross willingly now, will not fear the last judgment. When the Lord comes to judge, the Sign of the Cross will be in the heavens’ then will those servants of the cross, who in their lifetime made themselves one with the Crucified, draw near with great trust to Christ, the judge.

Why are you afraid, then, to take up the cross when through it you can win an eternal kingdom? In the cross is salvation; in it is life; in it is protection from your enemies; in it is heavenly sweetness; in it is strength of mind; in it is joy of spirit; in it is the highest virtue; in the cross is perfect holiness.

Take up your cross and follow Jesus, and you will merit eternal life.

Now Pray:  Part 4 Daily Prayers

Litany of the Holy Ghost, Ave Maris Stella,

Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus,

St. Louis De Montfort’s Prayer to Jesus  

Day 31

     Imitation: Book 4, Chapter 2

Of the Love God Shows You In The Blessed Sacrament

Trusting in Your great goodness and mercy, Lord, I come as one sick to the Physician, as one thirsty to the Fountain of Life, as one in need to the King of heaven; I come as a servant to my Master, as a creature to my Creator, as a dejected soul to my loving Comforter.

But why should You come to me? Who am I that You should give Yourself to me? How can a sinner dare show his face in Your presence? And why do You condescend to visit a sinner? You know Your servant: You know he has no good in him, and, therefore, You have no reason to grant him this great grace. Thus I confess my unworthiness; and I acknowledge Your goodness. I praise Your mercy, and I give thanks for Your boundless love.

     True Devotion: Nos. 243-254

Those who undertake this holy slavery should have a special devotion to the great mystery of the Incarnation of the Word (25th of March). Indeed, the Incarnation is the mystery proper in this practice, inasmuch as it is a devotion inspired by the Holy Ghost; first to honor and imitate the ineffable dependence which God the Son was pleased to have on Mary, for His Father’s glory-and our salvation-which dependence particularly appears in this mystery where Jesus is a captive and a slave in the bosom of His Blessed Mother, and depends on her for all things. Secondly, to thank God for the incomparable graces He has given Mary and particularly for having chosen her to be His most holy Mother, which choice was made in this mystery. These are the two principal ends of the slavery of Jesus and Mary. Because we are living in an age of intellectual pride and there are around us numerous, puffed-up scholars, conceited with critical spirit who have plenty to say against the best established and most solid practices of piety, it is better for us not to give them any needless occasion of criticism, hence, it is better to say, we are slaves of Jesus in Mary and call ourselves slaves of Jesus Christ, rather than the slaves of Mary; taking the denomination of our devotion rather from its last end, which is Jesus Christ, than from the means to the end, which is Mary; we may use either term though. Another reason is that the principal mystery we celebrate and honor in this devotion is the mystery of the Incarnation wherein we can see Jesus only in Mary and incarnate in her bosom. Hence it is more to the purpose to speak of the slavery of Jesus in Mary, and of Jesus residing and reigning in Mary according to that beautiful prayer, O Jesus living in Mary. Come and live in Thy servants, In the spirit of Thy holiness, In the fullness of Thy might, In the truth of Thy virtues, In the perfection of Thy ways, In the communion of Thy mysteries, Subdue every hostile power. In Thy spirit, for the glory of the Father. Amen

Those who adopt this slavery ought to have a great devotion to saying the Hail Mary. Few Christians, however enlightened, know the real value, merit, excellence and necessity of the Hail Mary. It was necessary for the Blessed Virgin to appear several times to great and enlightened saints to show them the merit of it.

Now Pray:  Part 4 Daily Prayers

Litany of the Holy Ghost, Ave Maris Stella,

Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus,

St. Louis De Montfort’s Prayer to Jesus  

Day 32

     Imitation: Book 2, Chapter 7

Of Loving Jesus Above All Things

Blessed is the man who knows what it is to love Jesus, and to despise himself for the sake of Jesus. You must give up all other love for His, since He wishes to be loved alone above all.

Love of creatures is receiving and constantly changing, but the love of Jesus is true and permanent. If you hold onto creatures, you will fall with them; if you hold onto Jesus, you will remain firmly planted forever.

Love Him then keep Him as a friend. He will not leave you as others do; nor will He permit you to suffer eternal death. Separate yourself a little from everything, then. Cling therefore to Jesus in life and death; trust yourself to Him alone who can help you when all others fail you.

The nature of Christ’s love is such that it will not admit a rival; He wants you for Himself alone. He desires to sit on the throne of your heart as King; which is His right. If you only knew how to free yourself of the love of creatures, how quickly would He come into your heart!

     True Devotion; Nos. 257-260

 There are also some very sanctifying interior practices for those whom the Holy Ghost calls to a high perfection. These may be expressed in four words: to do all our actions: by Mary, with Mary, in Mary, and for Mary, so that we may do them all the more perfectly by Jesus, with Jesus, in Jesus and for Jesus.

By Mary: We must obey her in all things, in all things conduct ourselves by her spirit which is the Holy Spirit of God “those who are led by the Spirit of God, are the children of God.” Those who are led by the spirit of Mary, are the children of Mary, and among clients of Mary, none are true or faithful but those who are led by her spirit. Jesus has rendered Himself, so completely the Master of Mary, that He has become her own spirit. A soul is happy indeed when it is all possessed and overruled by the spirit of Mary, a spirit meek and strong, zealous and prudent, humble and courageous, pure and fruitful.

We must do our actions with Mary. We must consider in every action how Mary has done it, she being in our place. For this end, we must meditate on the great virtues which she practiced during her life, first of all her lively faith, by which she believed, without hesitation, the angel’s word, and believed faithfully and constantly, up to the foot of the Cross; her profound humilty which made her hide herself, hold her peace, submit to everything, and put herself last of all.

Now Pray:  Part 4 Daily Prayers

Litany of the Holy Ghost, Ave Maris Stella,

Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus,

St. Louis De Montfort’s Prayer to Jesus  

Day 33

     Imitation: Book 4, Chapter 11

Of the Necessity of Communion

O sweetest Lord Jesus, how happy is the devout man who feasts at Your banquet, at which there is no other food but Yourself, his only Lover, most desired of all that his heart can desire!

How deeply I long to pour out my heartfelt tears in Your presence, and like the pious Magdalen, to wash Your feet with them. But where is such devotion in me, such copious shedding of holy tears? Surely, in Your sight, and before Your holy angels, my whole heart ought to be inflamed and weep for joy: for I have You with me truly present in this Sacrament, though You are under another form. My eyes could not bear to see You in Your own divine brightness, nor could the whole world stand in sight of the splendor of Your majesty. In concealing Yourself in this Sacrament You have regard for my weakness.

      True Devotion; Nos. 261-265

We must do our actions in Mary. Our Blessed Lady is the true terrestrial paradise for the New Adam, and the ancient paradise was but a figure of her. In this earthly paradise we have riches, beauties, rarities and inexplicable sweetness, which Jesus Christ, the New Adam has left here; it was in this paradise that He took His complacence for nine months, worked His wonders and displayed His riches with the magnificence of a God. It is in this earthly paradise that there is the true tree of life, which has borne Jesus Christ, the Fruit of Life, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil, which has given light unto the world. There are, in this divine place, trees planted by the hand of God, and watered by His Divine Unction, which have borne and daily bear fruit of divine taste. It is only the Holy Ghost, Who can make us know the hidden truth of these figures of material things. The Holy Ghost, by the mouth of the Fathers, also styles the Blessed Virgin the Eastern Gate, by which the High-Priest, Jesus Christ, enters the world, and leaves it. By it, He came the first time. He will come the second, by it.

Finally, we must do all our actions for Mary, we must take her for our proximate end, our mysterious means, and our way to go to Jesus Christ. Supported by her protection we must undertake and achieve great things for Christ. We must defend her privileges, when they are disputed. We must stand up for her glory when it is attacked; we must draw all the world, if we can, to her service, and to this true and solid devotion. We must pretend to no recompense for our little service, except the honor of belonging to so sweet a Queen, and the happiness of being united through her to Jesus, her Son, by an indissoluble tie, in time and in eternity.

Now Pray:  Part 4 Daily Prayers

Litany of the Holy Ghost, Ave Maris Stella,

Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus,

St. Louis De Montfort’s Prayer to Jesus

Sunday May 31st, 2009

Pentecost Sunday

How to Make Your Consecration

At the end of three weeks, we should go to Confession and Holy Communion with the intention of giving ourselves to Jesus Christ in the quality of slaves of love, by the hands of Mary. After Communion, we should recite the consecration prayer, we ought to write it, or have it written and sign it the same day the consecration is made. It would be well that on this day, we should pay some tribute to Jesus Christ and our Blessed Lady, either as a penance for our past unfaithfulness to the vows of Baptism, or as a testimony of dependence on the dominion of Jesus and Mary. This tribute should be one in accordance with your fervor, such as a fast, a mortification or an alms, or a candle. If but a pin is given in homage, and given with a good heart, it will be enough for Jesus Who loves only the good will.

Once a year at least, and on the same day we should renew this consecration, observing the same practices during the three weeks.

  *On Pentecost Sunday, May 31, 2009, all those who are making their Consecration or Re-Consecration “To Jesus Through Mary” as advocated by Saint Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716) will gather in Saint Joseph Cathedral in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at 5:30 p.m. for the communal recitation of the Consecration Formula.  

Now please go to:

Act of Consecration