Join us in a diocesan-wide Marian Consecration that will begin on Sunday, April 28th – the feast of St. Louis de Montfort – and conclude on May 31st, the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
We are inviting all the faithful in the diocese of Rapid City to participate in this powerful moment of grace!
We invite all those participating in the Marian Consecration, as well as their families, to join us for the closing Mass and reception!
May 31, 2024 | Terra Sancta Retreat Center
6:30pm – Adoration
7:00pm – Mass (celebrated by Fr. Dan Juelfs)
Marian themed ice cream social following Mass!
What is a Marian Consecration?
When we “consecrate” ourselves, we give ourselves to Jesus through Mary. St. Louis de Montfort (1673-1716) popularized this powerful devotion during his lifetime and through his book True Devotion to Mary; St. John Paul II read this book while in his early 20’s and said it was “a decisive turning point in my life… This ‘perfect devotion’ is indispensable to anyone who means to give himself without reserve to Christ and to the work of redemption.”
St. Louis explains that, because Jesus chooses to come to us through Mary, we also return to Him through her. He assures us that going to Jesus through Mary is “the easiest, shortest, most perfect and secure way of obtaining union with our Lord.”
Ways to Participate
There will be 2 diocesan events that we encourage everyone to take part in if they are able. The first will be the Vita Christi retreat on April 26-28; the theme of the retreat will be “The Victory will Come Through Mary.” It will focus on the role of Our Lady in our lives and prepare us to begin the Consecration preparation on April 28 – the last day of the retreat.
The second will be a Mass at Terra Sancta Retreat Center on May 31st. At the conclusion of this Mass, we will do the consecration prayer as a group.
As well, parishes are also encouraged to do their own activities and events for the Consecration. Please contact your pastor to see what your parish will be doing locally.
Preparing for the Consecration
Traditionally, a Consecration to Jesus through Mary is preceded by 33 days of preparation, in which the participant learns more deeply about what it means to consecrate oneself to Our Lady and enters into a deeper spirit of prayer. During the 33 days, the person says specific prayers and reads daily reflections, for the purpose of doing the Consecration more perfectly. As well, these meditations will help the participant to understand better what Consecration to Jesus through Mary really means.
There are multiple resources available for these 33 days of preparation, which are listed below. You may also want to reach out to your parish, as it is probable that they may have some of these materials on hand for this purpose.
Intentions for the Consecration
We would encourage you to have these particular intentions in mind as you prepare for the Consecration:
1. That you may grow in your personal union with Jesus and Mary.
2. Your own personal intentions.
3. For our diocese and all the priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful: for a continual growth in holiness and spiritual and physical protection.
4. For the repose of the soul of +Bishop Peter.
5. For our new bishop, that he may be a true and faithful son of Our Lady.
Resources
The Essentials: a Preparation Booklet (with daily prayers and meditations)
“I am all yours, Mother” Booklet
- Meditations by St. John Paul II and Mother Adela Galindo, SCTJM can be purchased here.
Supplemental Preparation Aides
Consecration Apps
Guided 33 day Marian Consecration on Hallow (also an App!)
(Requires a subscription to Hallow!)
The app “Hallow” has a collection of audio episodes for a 33 day guided Marian Consecration which can be found here and on their app. It is titled “33-Day Marian Consecration.”
On Hallow, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, guides through 33 days of preparation for total consecration of yourself to Jesus through His mother, Mary, drawing from Scripture, St. Louis de Montfort’s True Devotion to Mary, and Thomas à Kempis’ Imitation of Christ.
33 Days to Morning Glory Video Series
- These videos are meant to accompany those who are doing the 33 Days to Morning Glory booklet. There is a weekly video that participants can watch either in a group or individually. They can be accessed here, through FORMED.org.
Preparation Videos from the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary
There is one video for each day, 2-3 minutes long. Each video takes up a different theme or aspect of Marian consecration, providing a beautiful Marian catechesis to go along with the 33 days of preparation. Videos can be found here.
