After Consecration

 

Thirteen Ways to live out your consecration

1 FIRST, DEEPEN YOUR OWN CONSECRATION: St. Maximilian said there are three "fronts of action" to more effectively "win the world for the Immaculata." We must conquer ourselves, then those around us - family, friends, co-workers, etc. and finally the entire world with the Gospel message. But to win victory on the first front, over our own weakness of will and attraction to sin, we must cultivate our spiritual lives. Continual interior conversion is the seedbed of apostolic activity which will bring about real fruitfulness in the vineyard. (For how can we give away what we do not have?) See MI articles. See ((( MI News ))).

How do we as MI members deepen our spiritual lives and strengthen our total consecration to Mary? Here are some suggestions:

• Attend daily Mass if possible, the "source and summit"
  of the Church's activity
• Regularly participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, monthly if possible
• Spend time in adoration before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
• Pray the Rosary, individually or in a group or family setting
• Spend quiet time with the Lord each and every morning
  (start with 15 minutes)
• Read Scripture, especially the New Testament, to know Christ better
• Read good Catholic spiritual literature and subscribe
  to solid Catholic periodicals
• Study Pope John Paul II's powerful writings and the new Catholic Catechism
• For spiritual support, join a small prayer group in your parish or among like-minded friends

2 PROMOTE MARIAN CONSECRATION: The only way for a movement to grow is when its members reach out and invite others to join. We need to extend the invitation to join the MI to our family, friends, co-workers, fellow parishioners and whomever we meet. Why not order quantities of the "Consecrate Yourself to Mary" brochure to distribute? Call toll free 800-743-1177 to order at an inexpensive bulk rate. See MI Resources.

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3 PASS OUT MIRACULOUS MEDALS: St. Maximilian called this Catholic sacramental a "bullet" of supernatural grace. He encouraged MIs to share this gift from Our Lady to sow the seeds of conversion and sanctification (wearing it ourselves in faith protects and empowers our own consecration). Why not use this tool of catechesis, which encapsulates the Church's teaching about Mary, to introduce others to the Immaculata? Carry them in your pocket, purse or briefcase. To order a supply to distribute of the brochure "The Miraculous Medal and St. Maximilian" and medals call 800-743-1177 (bulk rates available). See MI Resources.

4 PROMOTE THE KNIGHTS AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS: St. Maximilian considered the KFC as the "spiritual vanguard" of the movement, a powerful army of prayer. By their KFC consecration these MI members, afflicted with sufferings large and small, generate untold graces as they link their trials with those of Christ in an act of "redemptive suffering." Why not promote the KFC among the aged, disabled, sick and all those who embrace the Cross? Visit nursing homes, hospitals, hospices and whomever may wish to participate in this valuable ministry. Call 800-743-1177 to order KFC brochures at bulk rates. See MI Resources.

5 DISTRIBUTE THE EVANGELICAL TRACT, "MARIAN DEVOTION & CONSECRATION": In this day of theological confusion, many do not understand the reasoning behind devotion to Mary. To remedy this confusion, give individuals or groups our popular tract, "Marian Devotion & Consecration", expressing how consecration is "highly esteemed." This leaflet highlights Marian doctrines as found in Scripture and Church teaching. # 190-641. Order quantities by calling 800-743-1177. See MI Resources.

6 FORM A "VILLAGE OF THE IMMACULATA" MI PRAYER GROUP: As St. Maximilian founded "Cities of the Immaculata" (Marytowns) to be consecrated centers of evangelization, we can form smaller "villages" to be centers of prayer and intercession. By gathering MIs together in small groups of spiritual solidarity, we can help bring about the Kingdom of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Intercessory prayer is a vital apostolic activity, especially for the needs of the MI movement. Start an MI Village.

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7 ORGANIZE AN MI STUDY GROUP: As the body needs exercise to be physically fit, so do our minds need study to remain spiritually fit. MIs must continue to learn our Catholic Faith in order to live, share and even defend it when necessary. United by our Marian consecration, we should commit ourselves to formally study the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Scripture, papal encyclicals and MI resources, such as the new Together with Mary MI study guide. Contact Us at the MI national center for more information.
See MI Resources.

8 PLAN A DVD VIDEO SHOWING OF "MARYTOWN AND ITS FOUNDER.": Many people are "visual learners," meaning they receive and retain information best through visual means. A great way to spread the dramatic message of St. Maximilian is to share an evening with friends watching the three videos in one! Video One: Marytown Adoration Chapel, Video Two: St. Maximilian Kolbe, Video Three: Little Bit of Heaven. Learn about the Eucharist and how Christ, Himself, becomes truly present at every Mass; how St. Kolbe, a Polish Priest, canonized as a saint after he stepped forward to take the place of a family man chosen to die in a Nazi death camp; and see an overview of what Marytown, USA, has to offer for your spirtual growth, friends, and family. See MI Resources.

9 UNITE WITH MI MEMBERS IN DAILY RENEWAL OF YOUR MARIAN CONSECRATION AND REFLECTION: Unite youself while petitioning the intercession of the Immaculata, month by month, throughout the year. Read and meditate on the MI Prayer Intentions and MI Monthly Formations.

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10 ATTEND MILITIA OF THE IMMACULATA CONFERENCE (MIC): The MI is sponsoring annual sessions of Faith, Education and Prayer for MIs to gather and deepen their Marian consecration. Hear speakers explain how to live out one's consecration effectively. The sessions are held at Marytown in the Spring (April). Marytown's renovated facilities include a thirty room retreat center, a 350 seat conference room, new dining facilities and a Marian/Eucharistic library. Contact Us at the MI national center for more information.

11 ENCOURAGE PARISH CONSECRATIONS TO THE IMMACULATA: Since the Immaculate Conception is the Patroness of the United States, every parish should be consecrated to Our Lady. As Mother of the Church, she brings purity of faith and unity of its members, her children. Why not approach your pastor and propose that your parish make a formal act of total consecration? We have preparation information on parish consecration which includes ready-to-use materials. Have a Parish Consecration.

12 SET UP MI INFORMATION BOOTHS AT RELIGIOUS CONFERENCES AND COMMUNITY EVENTS: Maximilian's goal was to gain souls for Jesus and Mary "as soon as possible." What better way than reaching people at large gatherings? Consider staffing an MI table at the next Catholic conference in your area or state or county fair this summer. You will be surprised at the positive response from faithful and even fallen away Catholics (not to mention from our Protestant friends) as you hand out Miraculous Medals and literature about the Eucharist or praying the Rosary. Contact Us to obtain bulk literature at reduced costs and tips on running an effective booth.

13 GO ONLINE!: St. Maximilian wanted to use every modern invention and innovative technology to "win the world for the Immaculata." Learn more about Marian consecration and the MI by visiting our website at www.consecration.com This site offers a step-by-step explanation of total consecration and MI membership, as well as helpful information and updates for enrolled MIs to better live out our consecration. Become a "cyber evangelist" too, by inviting others to check out this website.