Modern culture and its teachers have warned us to be especially wary of anyone who offers us anything of value. It could be a trick. It may be a trap. So, beware!
Unfortunately, the fallout for such a disposition is that many people nowadays do not trust even the most trustworthy of persons. Their lives can become entrenched in fear and distrust.
Our Christian faith has a remedy for this malady. Catholic tradition uses the word consecration to describe the action of entrusting myself to someone holy and trustworthy. The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) suggested that everyone should have a devotion to Mary and entrust their lives to her motherly care. We must also entrust ourselves to God.
Perhaps the most popular formal consecration to Mary is the one instituted by St. Louis de Montfort (1673-1716) as described in his well-known book, "True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary." In it, he prepares the reader to make a total consecration to Mary, meaning that all of our earthly works to build up the Kingdom of God here are earth are entrusted to Mary.
In a formal consecration, we totally entrust ourselves to the guidance and care of another. Such entrustments commonly are made to the Immaculate Heart of Mary or to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. They also can be made directly to the person of Mary or Jesus or to any of the saints, such as St. Joseph or St. Michael the Archangel.
A Marian consecration that is presently growing in popularity was developed recently by Father Michael Gaitley, MIC, the Director of the Association of Marian Helpers, which is a spiritual benefit society of the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception (recognized for their promotion of the Divine Mercy). Father Gaitley’s book, "33 Days to Morning Glory" (2012), outlines the 33-day preparation period for Marian Consecration, made up of short meditations.
The first week is devoted to the spirituality of St. Louis de Montfort, the second week to St. Maximilian Kolbe, the third week to Blessed Mother Teresa, the fourth week to Blessed John Paul II. The final five days of preparation are a synthesis and review, culminating with a final chapter entitled, "Day of Consecration: A Glorious New Morning."
An index of popular Catholic prayers and another with devotions are included. The book is referred to as "A Do-It-Yourself Retreat in Preparation for Marian Consecration," but it is also useful for small group study and reflection.
In a stable and faith-filled family, children naturally entrust themselves to their parents. They know they are loved and that their every need will be provided for. They have no issues with trust or vulnerability. They feel safe and secure. Sadly, this ideal situation is a reality for fewer and fewer people as the family falls prey to a culture that is increasingly hostile toward its most basic dynamics and values.
Consecrations to Jesus and Mary can help bridge the gap that is left in many people’s lives where entrustment to others—especially to parents—did not come naturally.
The theme of entrustment within family relationships is a topic being studied in the current Catholic Coffee House series sponsored by the Office for Evangelization. Go to www.dioceseoflincoln.org for more information and for MP3 downloads of current and past Coffee House presentations.
-
Youth Protection +
-
Evangelization & Catechesis +
-
Catholic Schools +
-
Youth Ministry +
-
Family Life & Discipleship +
-
News & Media +
-
Directory, Maps & Mass Times +
-
Diocese Home +
