Mission

Dear friends in Christ,

Consecration to Mary. Is this an outdated idea, belonging in the pre-Vatican II Church, where sodalities, nocturnal Adoration societies, and the Knights of Columbus thrived? Is there a role for consecration to Mary in 2009, 50 years after Vatican II?

Mary is the Mother of God; Mary is the mother of Jesus Christ, true God and true man. I have written in earlier posts (from 2008) about the role of Mary in our lives, as well as apologetics surrounding questions of her role in the life of the Church. I will continue to write posts about Mary, probably until I die.

But the question today: is there a place for consecration to Mary? In a Church where only 33% believe in the true presence of the Eucharist (I am humbly one of those 33%), in a Church where there are more non practicing Catholics than practicing Catholics? Is there a place for consecration to Mary, an act of totally giving yourself to Mary as a way to grow closer to Christ, walking with Mary as Jesus walks towards the Hill of Calvary? Is the society just too far gone for Consecration to have any affect on our lives, much less the society? Is our situation so desperate that Consecration to Mary won't fix it, or even help it?

We must remember that as Jesus walked towards the Hill of Calvary, carrying that heavy cross, that bittersweet instrument of death, the people around him, and the soldiers ridiculed Him. The soldiers beat Him, dragged Him, and finally nailed Him to a cross. They taunted Him. And Jesus did not throw out curses, or insults. With the dignity of God, He took it and offered His sacrifice for what they were doing to Him. I watched a video earlier of someone praying quietly in front of an abortion clinic, when a pro-choice woman came up, gave them the finger, and uttered a string of obscenities and curses. When we practice our own faith, we are often ridiculed, even by friends, family, and co-workers. The media ridicules us, even if it isn't a direct ridicule; most of Hollywood scoffs at anything holy; even supposed Catholic politicians vote according to pro-choice lobbies, but don't care what they faith informs them as the right thing to do. And where was Mary during the Passion of her son? Quietly following behind Jesus, even amidst the torment.

We do not walk through life without struggle. As we continue our life, slowly walking up the Hill to Calvary to our eventual death, we are faced with struggles, with challenges. We sometimes come face to face with people who absolutely hate us; and yet, we are called to love them. We are called to love abortionists, dictators, and people we don't like (while at the same time pointing out the follies and evil of their ways). They may hate us, and they definitely hate what we may stand for, but we are called to love them, and to pray for them.

So I pose the question again: is there a place for consecration to Mary? Consecration is that where we dedicate (or rededicate) our commitment to Jesus through Mary. Living a life of Christ involves sacrifice, suffering, and, if called, a white martyrdom (or red). We are called to walk with Mary, living our life in direct imitation and emulation of the life of Christ. Consecration helps us do that, by publicly proclaiming your love for the Holy Mother, and asking for her aid and intercession as we walk through life.

Yes, we need consecration; not because it is the popular thing to do, or even not because it is from a more traditional time. We need consecration to Mary because the world needs it, and we are called to be a light to the nations, as Christ, our High Priest, through His sacrifice on the cross, is a light to the nations. Be a witness, and consider being consecrated to Mary for the sake of following Christ.

For more information on Consecration to Mary under the rule of St. Maximilian Kolbe, click here. See the side bar, and former posts for more information about St. Maximilian Kolbe.

May you remain close to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. May God bless you. St. Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us.