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KellyJ
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| Posted: Feb 10 2007 at 10:07am | IP Logged
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When I first read True Devotion to Mary and consecrated myself to Jesus in Mary via St. Louis de Montfort's formula, I thought that the consecration is supposed to be repeated at least annually, repeating the preparatory period (save the first 12 days, since they're optional).
I always thought it a pretty hefty deal to consecrate myself, not just because of what it implies relating to my relationship to our Blessed Mother, but because of the obligation to renew my consecration at least annually, which I understood to include the preparation period.
However, over the years I've talked to others IRL, who have also consecrated themselves using the same Montfortian formula. Most of them have thought the Montfortian formula is a one-time period of preparation and consecration.
What do you do? What has been your understanding relating to the Montfortian formula? Thanks! 
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Helen
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Dear Kelly,
I'm not exactly from the Montfort family as I attend meetings with the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate.(St. Maximilian Kolbe)
For the Marian vow of total consecration to the Immaculate, the friars ask (require) attendance at monthly formation meetings (perpetually). They stress that Consecration is more than just a prayer said once. It is more than just a mere devotion, it needs to be remembered and lived daily. I don't know if this sheds light on your question.
Are our meetings of prayer and three hours of classes, once a month, similar to redoing St. Louis' preparation period every year?
Maybe?
On certain feast days, we are asked to renew our consecration with the other members of our cenacle.
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Ave Maria!
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Mary Vitamin & Castle of the Immaculate
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KellyJ
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| Posted: Feb 11 2007 at 9:39am | IP Logged
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Helen, I totally agree with you about the perpetual nature of this consecration. I will have to look through my books to see what it was that gave me the impression that the 33 days preparation is to be observed at least annually.
I don't know what your classes entail, but the 33 days preparation are readings and prayers for each day, concluding with confession, Mass, an offering to our Lady (examples are given for what one might do, including a fast -- which surprises me a bit, as the consecration days are usually special feasts on which the Church would not encourage fasting), and (re-)consecration.
What are your classes like? What blessing they must be!
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Helen
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| Posted: Feb 12 2007 at 10:10pm | IP Logged
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KellyJ wrote:
| What are your classes like? What blessing they must be! |
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Actually Kelly the Friars have a vlog
AirMaria.com in which they post homilies by the priests. So, you could listen to something which is similar to our classes.
Here's a link to the Cenacle Dayschedule.
Somewhere on their site they have a picture of the chapel. I can't find it now. (It's more than a picture. It is similar to the real estate sites. You can "move" around the chapel.)
Our rule is very prayer intensive. So, I sort of feel like I'm on retreat all year. 
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KellyJ
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| Posted: Feb 13 2007 at 7:50pm | IP Logged
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Helen, thank you! I will look at those links soon. Thank you again!
I tracked down what I had read that led me to believe that those who use the Montfortian method are to (at least) annually renewal one's consecration and use the 3-week preparatory period prior to the renewal of one's consecration.
I found it in my copy of True Devotion, which is a small hardback. I don't have the book in front of me to give a reference page or ISBN. It quotes St. Louis de Montfort as having said or written, "Once a year at least, on the same day, they should renew the same consecration, observing the same practices during the three weeks."
There is more there about observing and renewing one's consecration, but that was the sentence I've been wondering about. I wonder if I've misunderstood St. Louis's writings all along, as in the past 11+ yrs., it has been rare for me to meet someone who has used this method who also believes that there is an annual commitment connected with the consecration.
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Tifflynene
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I am confused about all the different ways to consecrate oneself to Mary. I just saw a leaflet in our Cath. book store about consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary which looks different than the Montfortian consecration.
I just finished Montfort's book and desire to make my consecration but now I'm confused???
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ds (age 13); ds (age 8); dd (age 4); ds (age 3); and baby on the way
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Helen
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| Posted: Feb 17 2007 at 10:52am | IP Logged
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Tifflynene wrote:
I am confused about all the different ways to consecrate oneself to Mary. I just saw a leaflet in our Cath. book store about consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary which looks different than the Montfortian consecration.
I just finished Montfort's book and desire to make my consecration but now I'm confused??? |
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You are right Tiffany, there are many ways to consecrate oneself to Our Lady and they are basically the same. I don't think there is a "right" way, you are free to follow your own preferences and inspirations.
Which method speaks to your soul? Which one do you like better? Which one do you think Our Lady is asking you to do?
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Ave Maria!
Mom to 5 girls and 3 boys
Mary Vitamin & Castle of the Immaculate
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Tifflynene
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| Posted: Feb 17 2007 at 11:32am | IP Logged
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Thank you, again, Helen. This clears up a lot for me.
I believe Our Lady is leading me to the Montfortian Consecration for many reasons. I just think the evil one is throwing me many questions and doubts as I near the beginning of my consecration prep. I am going to begin my prelim. consecration on Ash Wednesday and work through the 3 weeks of preparation to make my consecration on the Annunciation.
I don't know if it's natural to feel scared,nervous, and unworthy but I sure feel it. So please keep me in your prayers.
I will be making a rosary offering each Monday for everyone here as well as for some other families I know who are currently making the TDTM journey.
Peace of Christ through our sweet Mother Mary!
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~Tiffany~
Central Valley, California
Wife to dh Rod
Mother to 5 living blessings!
ds (age 13); ds (age 8); dd (age 4); ds (age 3); and baby on the way
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