Total Consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Saint Louis de Montfort recommended a period of thirty-three days of preparation for making the Total Consecration to Our Lady.
/assets/img/favicons/apple-icon-57x57.png
America Needs Fatima
Twenty minutes of spiritual reading.

Topic: the spirit of the world is contrary to the spirit of God.

Examination of conscience.

Offering of a small sacrifice to God or some form of personal mortification in reparation for past sins with the intention of countering self-will and practicing purity of heart.

Pray a decade of the rosary or a full five decades.

Recite the canticle of Our Lady, the Magnificat.

Part I: Twelve Days

Emptying Ourselves of the Spirit of the World

"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before you." John 15:18

The spirit of the world is contrary to the spirit of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The spirit of the world consists essentially in the denial of God as creator and supreme ruler. As creator, the triune God created a universe subject to laws, and as supreme ruler He enforces these laws—laws which promote our well-being and eternal good.

The denial of God as creator and supreme ruler is mainly manifested in disobedience, rebellion and sin. This attitude seeks to create a world in which humans—rather than God—make the rules.

Sin: Its Spirit, Its Works and Its “Pomps”

The spirit of sin is manifested in the lust of the eyes, and the unlawful desire and pursuit of the pleasures of the flesh; in the pride of possessions and positions; in disobedience to God’s laws; and in the abuse of created things. The works of sin are all that is produced by disobedience to the Ten Commandments, works that darken the mind, produce error, and seduce, corrupt and weaken the will. The “pomps” of sin are the glamour, glitter and charm, which the devil attaches to persons, places and things to render sin alluring, attractive and seductive.

Practices during the initial twelve days:

Pray the Veni Creator Spiritus and the Ave Maris Stella daily.

Recommended reading:

The Holy Scriptures, The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis, The Sinner’s Guide by Luiz de Granada, The Spiritual Combat by Dom Lorenzo Scupoli, Characters of the Passion by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.

Part II: Week 1

Knowledge of Self

"You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You."

— Saint Augustine

During the first week, Saint Louis de Montfort recommends that we employ our prayer and pious actions in asking for knowledge of self. Knowledge of self is essential for knowledge of God.

Narcissism vs. Low Self-Esteem: Both Distance Us from God

Though we are excellent creatures, made to the image and likeness of God Himself, in our fallen state after original sin, we easily take ownership of what was freely given to us: life, senses, talents, appearance, possessions and positions—forgetting their source: God.

Or, on the other extreme, usually because of lack of affirmation or direct abuse, we minimize our true worth, which keeps us from believing that we are immensely loved, and thus trusting in God.

Where the narcissist lacks humility, and tends to think of himself or herself as the ultimate gift to others, the self-doubter misunderstands humility, often compromises his or her personal dignity, and only feels useful when used.

There can also be a combination of both problems.

Reflecting on our contingency and shortcomings helps us to know who we are not. Only when we cease to be blinded by our own “greatness” and start to fall out of love with “self,” do we get a glimpse of Who God is, and begin to fall in love with Eternal Good.

True self-esteem, the objective appreciation of who we are as creatures and heirs to heaven, counters both self-adoring narcissism and low self-esteem. Both attitudes keep us from seeking our true good and happiness in God, Who is supreme creator, yes, but also a father who has made us heirs to His kingdom—provided we want it.

Practices to Help Counter Both Attitudes

For a reality check to the narcissist in us, Saint Louis recommends that we reflect on the fact that, as inheritors of the original sin of Adam and Eve, mankind is naturally inclined to evil. In the “Third Truth” of Part I, Chapter 2, the Saint demonstrates how we are vain and self-centered as peacocks, lazy as snails, groveling as toads, envious as serpents, gluttonous as hogs, and angry as tigers. Or we may choose to reflect on the three considerations of Saint Bernard: that we were made from the slime of the earth, the corruptibility and vulnerability of our present state, and our ultimate end as food of worms.

For low self-esteem and self-doubt, there is nothing better than to reflect on the Crucified, our God giving His life to the last drop of His blood for each of us, and to reflect on His immaculate mother offering Him up for us—indeed, we are that expensive.

There is also nothing more eye-opening and healing than spending time with the Eucharistic Lord in adoration, and developing a personal relationship with Him. Adoration has been called “divine radiation therapy.”

Ultimately, in all these reflections, the essential ingredient is honesty: to look at ourselves as we are, and to seek true conversion, and true healing.

Saint Louis says we should pray to the Holy Ghost to enlighten us, and recommends the ejaculations: "Lord, that I may know Thee!" or "Come Holy Ghost." Another good short prayer: "Lord, who am I, and Who art Thou?" Another: "Jesus, Mary, I trust in Thee."

Practices for Week 1:

Pray the Veni Creator Spiritus, the Ave Maris Stella and the Litany of the Holy Ghost daily.

Recommended reading:

The Sacred Scriptures, The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis, The Sinners Guide by Luiz de Granada, The Book of Confidence by Fr. Thomas de Saint-Laurent, Abandonment to Divine Providence, by Jean-Pierre de Caussade, Introduction to the Devout Life by Saint Francis de Sales, Fire Within by Fr. Thomas Dubay.

Part III: Week 2

Knowledge of Mary Most Holy

"Mary is the sanctuary and the repose of the Holy Trinity, where God dwells more magnificently and more divinely than any other place in the universe…"

— Saint Louis de Montfort

The main goal of Saint Louis de Montfort’s True Devotion is to seek union with Jesus through Mary.

Therefore, during the second week of preparation for Total Consecration, Saint Louis directs us to apply all our prayers and works seeking to know the Blessed Virgin Mary, and for this he recommends reflecting on what he has written about Our Lady in this book, all the while invoking the Holy Ghost for knowledge of she who is His spouse. As the Saint says, “…the more He (the Holy Ghost) finds Mary, His dear and indissoluble Spouse, in any soul, the more active and mighty He becomes in producing Jesus Christ in that soul, and that soul in Jesus Christ.”

Saint Louis calls Our Lady the “tabernacle of God.” Indeed, she is the true ark of the New Covenant. The first ark held the tablets of the law, the second ark held God Himself.

Saint Augustine says that the world was unworthy to receive the Son of God directly from the Father’s hands. He was given through Mary so that the world could receive Him through her.

We should make acts of love and thanksgiving toward this creature, immaculate, as befitting the living tabernacle of the True God, free from the original sin that mars us, perfect in her correspondence to God’s grace and found worthy to become the mother of the Redeemer.

“She is His (Jesus’) mysterious canal; she is His aqueduct, through which He makes His mercies flow gently and abundantly,” writes Saint Louis.

In Cana, at Mary’s request to alleviate a mere hosting difficulty, Jesus works a stupendous miracle. Noticing that their hosts are out of wine, Our Lady whispers her concern to her Son, who replies that in His eternal will the time is not yet for miracles. But in her trust and union with Him she knows that in His Heart He has said “yes” to her. And she says to the attendants, “Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.” (John 2:5)

This is her role with Him on our behalf—powerful intercession and sure directive for our lives: “Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.” She points the way to His Heart, and shows us child-like trust in a God deeply interested even in the details of our lives. This is the faith that works miracles.

We should gratefully think of her as our “Sorrowful Mother,” helping to give “birth” to each of us spiritually during the frightful labor of offering her Son for our salvation. We should think of her, amazing in the innocence, fortitude and generosity that allowed her to stand at that awful scaffold offering her perfect Son to the Father as the lamb without blemish for our blemishes.

Practices for Week 2:

Pray the Litany of the Holy Ghost (to which may be added the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary), the Ave Maris Stella and five decades of the Holy Rosary daily.

Recommended reading:

The Secret of the Rosary by Saint Louis Grignion de Montfort, The Glories of Mary by Saint Alphonsus de Liguori, Fatima, a Message More Urgent Than Ever by Luiz Sergio Solimeo, The Wonder of Guadalupe by Francis Johnston, Saint Bernadette Soubirous by Abbé François Trochu.

Part IV: Week 3

Knowledge of Our Lord Jesus Christ

"By this hath the charity of God appeared towards us, because God hath sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we may live by Him." 1 John 4:9

In the third week, Saint Louis calls us to apply ourselves to the knowledge of Our Lord Jesus Christ. He recommends that we meditate upon the biblical prefiguring of our Lord’s submission to His Blessed Mother in the actions of Jacob and Rebecca. To assist us in the consideration of this mystery, he explains the history of Esau and Jacob as given in chapter 27 of the Book of Genesis and draws out lessons from which we may take spiritual profit. To these considerations the Saint adds the maternal obligations our Blessed Lady incurs on our behalf through the practice of holy slavery and reemphasizes its ultimate aim in the First Truth: “If, then, we establish the solid devotion to our Blessed Lady, it is only to establish more perfectly the devotion to Jesus Christ, and to put forward an easy and secure means for finding Jesus Christ.” The contemplation of the Incarnate Word’s example in this manner must of necessity bear fruit. Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary is the first and the most perfect of the “external practices” encouraged by Saint Louis de Montfort.

Saint Louis says that if we want to know the mother we must know the Son, for she is the worthy Mother of God. For Our Lord Jesus Christ, true God and true man, is the second person of the Holy Trinity, a divine person with two natures: divine and human.

In an incomprehensible act of love, the second person of the Holy Trinity took on a human nature so as to be able to atone to His Father for the original sin of Adam and Eve and for the sins of humanity. No man, no matter how holy, could have bridged the gap created between God and man by sin. Yet it was only right that humanity atone for the offense. Since only God could sufficiently atone to God, the divine “solution” was a God made man so that as an integral part of humanity, Jesus Christ—God and man—could offer a just return to God.

And here, of course, before this unfathomable divine solution, we go mute and adore this God-made-man before whom “every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.” (Philippians 2:10)

For this period Saint Louis recommends saying the prayer of Saint Augustine in Part I of the Treatise on True Devotion (page 29), and to say many times a day: “Lord, that I may know Thee!” or “Lord, that I might see Who Thou art!”

Practices for Week 3:

Pray the Veni Creator Spiritus, the Ave Maris Stella, and the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus daily.

Recommended reading:

The Sacred Scriptures, The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis, Christ the Life of the Soul by Dom Columba Marmion, Christ in His Mysteries by Dom Columba Marmion.

Instructions for the day of Total Consecration

At the end of the thirty-three days, Saint Louis entreats us to go to Confession and to receive Holy Communion with the intention of giving ourselves to Jesus Christ in the quality of slaves of love through the hands of Mary. After Holy Communion, which may be made according to the method recommended by the Saint, we should recite the formula of Consecration. This formula should either be handwritten or printed, but available to be signed as a contract.

Saint Louis also recommends that on the day of Consecration, some offering be made as a tribute to Jesus Christ and Our Blessed Lady, either as a penance for our past unfaithfulness to the vows of our Baptism, or as a testimony of our allegiance to Jesus and Mary as Our Lord and Lady. This offering could take the form of a fast, a personal mortification, a money offering or even a candle, provided it be according to the capacity and means of each, a sincere gift. If a pin is all we can give, Our Lord, Who looks only to the heart’s intention, will accept it kindly.

At least once a year, on the anniversary of our Total Consecration, we should renew the same consecration, if possible, observing the same practices during the three weeks.

Saint Louis also recommends that once a month, or even once a day, we renew our consecration by saying the words: “I am all Thine, and all I have belongs to Thee, O my sweet Jesus, by Mary Thy holy Mother.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT THIS CONSECRATION

Prayers Recommended by Saint Louis de Montfort

MAGNIFICAT

My soul doth magnify the Lord.

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

Because He hath regarded the humility of His handmaid;

for behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

Because He that is mighty hath done great things to me;

and holy is His name.

And His mercy is from generation to generations, to them that fear Him.

He hath showed might in His arm;

He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.

He hath put down the mighty from their seat;

and hath exalted the humble.

He hath filled the hungry with good things;

and the rich he hath sent empty away.

He hath received Israel His servant, being mindful of His mercy.

As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever. Amen

Glory be....

Veni Creator Spiritus

Come, O Creator Spirit blest!

And in our souls take up thy rest;

Come with Thy grace and heavenly aid,

To fill the hearts which Thou hast made.

Great Paraclete! To Thee we cry,

O highest gift of God most high!

O font of life! O fire of love!

And sweet anointing from above.

Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts art known,

The finger of God’s hand we own;

The promise of the Father, Thou!

Who dost the tongue with power endow.

Kindle our senses from above,

And make our hearts o’erflow with love;

With patience firm and virtue high

The weakness of our flesh supply.

Far from us drive the foe we dread,

And grant us Thy true peace instead;

So shall we not, with Thee for guide,

Turn from the path of life aside.

Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow

The Father and the Son to know,

And Thee through endless times confessed

Of both the eternal Spirit blest.

All glory while the ages run

Be to the Father and the Son

Who rose from death; the same to Thee,

O Holy Ghost, eternally. Amen

Litany of the Holy Ghost

V. Lord, have mercy on us.

R. Christ, have mercy on us.

V. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ hear us.

R. Christ, graciously hear us.

Father, all powerful, have mercy on us.

Jesus, Eternal Son of the Father, Redeemer of the world, save us.

Spirit of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both, sanctify us.

Holy Trinity, hear us.

Holy Ghost, Who proceedest from the Father and the Son, enter our hearts.

Holy Ghost, Who art equal to the Father and the Son, enter our hearts.

Promise of God the Father, have mercy on us.

Ray of heavenly light, have mercy on us.

Author of all good, have mercy on us.

Source of heavenly water, have mercy on us.

Consuming Fire, have mercy on us.

Ardent Charity, have mercy on us.

Spiritual unction, have mercy on us.

Spirit of love and truth, have mercy on us.

Spirit of wisdom and understanding, have mercy on us.

Spirit of counsel and fortitude, have mercy on us.

Spirit of knowledge and piety, have mercy on us.

Spirit of the fear of the Lord, have mercy on us.

Spirit of grace and prayer, have mercy on us.

Spirit of peace and meekness, have mercy on us.

Spirit of modesty and innocence, have mercy on us.

Holy Ghost, the Comforter, have mercy on us.

Holy Ghost, the Sanctifier, have mercy on us.

Holy Ghost, Who governest the Church, have mercy on us.

Gift of God, the Most High, have mercy on us.

Spirit of the adoption of the children of God, have mercy on us.

Holy Ghost, inspire us with the horror of sin.

Holy Ghost, come and renew the face of the earth.

Holy Ghost, shed Thy light in our souls.

Holy Ghost, engrave Thy law in our hearts.

Holy Ghost, inflame us with the flame of Thy love.

Holy Ghost, open to us the treasures of Thy graces.

Holy Ghost, teach us to pray well.

Holy Ghost, enlighten us with Thy heavenly inspirations.

Holy Ghost, lead us in the way of salvation.

Holy Ghost, grant us the only necessary knowledge.

Holy Ghost, inspire in us the practice of good.

Holy Ghost, grant us the merits of all virtues.

Holy Ghost, make us persevere in justice.

Holy Ghost, be Thou our everlasting reward.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, send us Thy Holy Ghost.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, pour down into our souls the gifts of the Holy Ghost.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant us the Spirit of wisdom and piety.

V. Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful.

R. And enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.

Let us pray

Grant, O merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit enlighten, inflame and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make us fruitful in good works; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and reigneth forever and ever. Amen

Ave Maris Stella

Hail, bright star of ocean,

God’s own Mother blest,

Ever sinless Virgin,

Gate of heavenly rest.

Taking that sweet Ave

Which from Gabriel came,

Peace confirm within us,

Changing Eva’s name.

Break the captives’ fetters,

Light on blindness pour,

All our ills expelling,

Every bliss implore.

Show thyself a Mother;

May the Word Divine,

Born for us thy Infant,

Hear our prayers through thine.

Virgin all excelling,

Mildest of the mild,

Freed from guilt, preserve us,

Pure and undefiled.

Keep our life all spotless,

Make our way secure,

Till we find in Jesus,

Joy forevermore.

Through the highest heaven

To the Almighty Three,

Father, Son and Spirit,

One same glory be. Amen

Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary

V. Lord, have mercy on us.

R. Christ, have mercy on us.

V. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ hear us.

R. Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.

God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.

Holy Mother of God, pray for us.

Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.

Mother of Christ, pray for us.

Mother of divine grace, pray for us.

Mother most pure, pray for us.

Mother most chaste, pray for us.

Mother inviolate, pray for us.

Mother undefiled, pray for us.

Mother most amiable, pray for us.

Mother most admirable, pray for us.

Mother of good counsel, pray for us.

Mother of our Creator, pray for us.

Mother of our Savior, pray for us.

Virgin most prudent, pray for us.

Virgin most venerable, pray for us.

Virgin most renowned, pray for us.

Virgin most powerful, pray for us.

Virgin most merciful, pray for us.

Virgin most faithful, pray for us.

Mirror of justice, pray for us.

Seat of wisdom, pray for us.

Cause of our joy, pray for us.

Spiritual vessel, pray for us.

Vessel of honor, pray for us.

Singular vessel of devotion, pray for us.

Mystical rose, pray for us.

Tower of David, pray for us.

Tower of ivory, pray for us.

House of gold, pray for us.

Ark of the covenant, pray for us.

Gate of heaven, pray for us.

Morning Star, pray for us.

Health of the Sick, pray for us.

Refuge of sinners, pray for us.

Comforter of the afflicted, pray for us.

Help of Christians, pray for us.

Queen of angels, pray for us.

Queen of patriarchs, pray for us.

Queen of prophets, pray for us.

Queen of Apostles, pray for us.

Queen of martyrs, pray for us.

Queen of confessors, pray for us.

Queen of virgins, pray for us.

Queen of all saints, pray for us.

Queen conceived without original sin, pray for us.

Queen assumed into heaven, pray for us.

Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us.

Queen of peace, pray for us.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of world, spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray

Grant unto us, Thy servants, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, at all times to enjoy health of soul and body; and by the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever virgin, when freed from the sorrows of this present life, to enter into that joy which hath no end. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus

V. Lord, have mercy on us.

R. Christ, have mercy on us.

V. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ hear us.

R. Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.

God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us.

Jesus, splendor of the Father, have mercy on us.

Jesus, brightness of eternal light, have mercy on us.

Jesus, King of glory, have mercy on us.

Jesus, sun of justice, have mercy on us.

Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary, have mercy on us.

Jesus, most amiable, have mercy on us.

Jesus, most admirable, have mercy on us.

Jesus, mighty God, have mercy on us.

Jesus, Father of the world to come, have mercy on us.

Jesus, angel of the great counsel, have mercy on us.

Jesus, most powerful, have mercy on us.

Jesus, most patient, have mercy on us.

Jesus, most obedient, have mercy on us.

Jesus, meek and humble of heart, have mercy on us.

Jesus, lover of chastity, have mercy on us.

Jesus, lover of us, have mercy on us.

Jesus, God of peace, have mercy on us.

Jesus, author of life, have mercy on us.

Jesus, model of virtues, have mercy on us.

Jesus, lover of souls, have mercy on us.

Jesus, our God, have mercy on us.

Jesus, our refuge, have mercy on us.

Jesus, Father of the poor, have mercy on us.

Jesus, treasure of the faithful, have mercy on us.

Jesus, Good Shepherd, have mercy on us.

Jesus, true light, have mercy on us.

Jesus, eternal wisdom, have mercy on us.

Jesus, infinite goodness, have mercy on us.

Jesus, our way and our life, have mercy on us.

Jesus, joy of angels, have mercy on us.

Jesus, King of patriarchs, have mercy on us.

Jesus, master of Apostles, have mercy on us.

Jesus, teacher of Evangelists, have mercy on us.

Jesus, strength of martyrs, have mercy on us.

Jesus, light of confessors, have mercy on us.

Jesus, purity of virgins, have mercy on us.

Jesus, crown of all saints, have mercy on us.

Be merciful, spare us, O Jesus.

Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Jesus.

From all evil, Jesus, deliver us.

From all sin, Jesus, deliver us.

From Thy wrath, Jesus, deliver us.

From the snares of the devil, Jesus, deliver us.

From the spirit of fornication, Jesus, deliver us.

From everlasting death, Jesus, deliver us.

From the neglect of Thine inspirations, Jesus, deliver us.

Through the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation, Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thy nativity, Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thine infancy, Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thy most divine life, Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thy labors, Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thine agony and Passion, Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thy cross and dereliction, Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thy sufferings, Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thy death and burial, Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thy Resurrection, Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thine Ascension, Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thine institution of the most Holy Eucharist, Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thy joys, Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thy glory, Jesus, deliver us.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Jesus.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Jesus.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Jesus.

V. Jesus, hear us.

R. Jesus, graciously hear us.

Let us pray

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast said: Ask and ye shall receive; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you; grant, we beseech Thee, to us who ask the gift of Thy divine love, that we may ever love Thee with all our hearts, and in all our words and actions, and never cease praising Thee.

Give us, O Lord, a perpetual fear and love of Thy holy Name; for Thou never failest to govern those whom Thou dost solidly establish in Thy love. Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen

Memorare by St. Bernard

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen

Consecration of Ourselves to Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Wisdom, by the Hands of Mary

O Eternal and Incarnate Wisdom! O sweetest and most Adorable Jesus! True God and True Man, only Son of the Eternal Father, and of Mary always Virgin! I adore Thee profoundly in the bosom and splendors of Thy Father during eternity; and I adore Thee also in the Virginal bosom of Mary, Thy most worthy Mother, in the time of Thine Incarnation.

I give Thee thanks for that Thou hast annihilated Thyself, in taking the form of a slave, in order to rescue me from the cruel slavery of the devil. I praise and glorify Thee for that Thou hast been pleased to submit Thyself to Mary, Thy holy Mother, in all things, in order to make me Thy faithful slave through her. But, alas! ungrateful and faithless as I have been, I have not kept the promises which I made so solemnly to Thee in my Baptism; I have not fulfilled my obligations; I do not deserve to be called Thy son, nor yet Thy slave; and as there is nothing in me which does not merit Thine anger and Thy repulse, I dare no more come by myself before Thy Most Holy and August Majesty. It is on this account that I have recourse to the intercession of Thy most holy Mother, whom Thou hast given me for a mediatrix with Thee. It is by her means that I hope to obtain of Thee contrition, and the pardon of my sins, the acquisition and the preservation of wisdom. I salute thee, then, O immaculate Mary, living tabernacle of the Divinity, where the Eternal Wisdom willed to be hidden, and to be adored by Angels and by men. I hail thee, O Queen of heaven and earth, to whose empire everything is subject which is under God.

I salute thee, O sure refuge of sinners, whose mercy fails to no one. Hear the desires which I have of the Divine Wisdom; and for that end, receive the vows and offerings which my lowness presents to thee. I, (name), a faithless sinner, I renew and ratify to-day in thy hands the vows of my Baptism; I renounce forever Satan, his pomps and works; and I give myself entirely to Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Wisdom, to carry my cross after Him all the days of my life, and to be more faithful to Him than I have ever been before.

In the presence of all the heavenly court I choose thee this day for my Mother and Mistress. I deliver and consecrate to thee, as thy slave, my body and soul, my goods, both interior and exterior, and even the value of all my good actions, past, present, and future; leaving to you the entire and full right of disposing of me, and all that belongs to me, without exception, according to thy good pleasure, to the greatest glory of God, in time and in eternity.

Receive, O benignant Virgin, this little offering of my slavery, in the honor of, and in union with, that subjection which the Eternal Wisdom deigned to have to thy Maternity, in homage to the power which both of you have over this little worm and miserable sinner, and in thanksgiving for the privileges with which the Holy Trinity hath favored thee. I protest that I wish henceforth, as thy true slave, to seek thy honor and to obey thee in all things.

O admirable Mother, present me to thy dear Son as His eternal slave, so that as He hath redeemed me by thee, by thee He may receive me.

O Mother of mercy, get me the grace to obtain the true Wisdom of God; and for that end put me in the number of those whom thou lovest, whom thou teachest, whom thou conductest, and whom thou nourishest and protectest, as thy children and thy slaves.

O faithful Virgin, make me in all things so perfect a disciple, imitator, and slave of the Incarnate Wisdom, Jesus Christ thy Son, that I may attain, by thy intercession, and by thy example, to the fullness of His age on earth, and of His glory in the heavens. Amen