TOTAL CONSECRATION: DAY 28 / September 1, 2023 by Joe Castorino

SACRED ART: "Pietà" by Michelangelo

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marian_art_in_the_Catholic_Church#/media/File:Michelangelo's_Pieta_5450_cropncleaned.jpg

(Left-click once or twice on the picture to see the painting at closer range)

PRAYER: Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary ***OPTIONAL***

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

God our Father in heaven, have mercy on us.

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

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.

Holy Mother of God, pray for us.

Most honored of virgins, pray for us.

Chosen daughter of the Father, pray for us.

Mother of Christ the King, pray for us.

Glory of the Holy Spirit, pray for us.

Virgin daughter of Zion, pray for us.

Virgin poor and humble, pray for us.

Virgin gentle and obedient, pray for us.

Handmaid of the Lord, pray for us.

Mother of the Lord, pray for us.

Helper of the Redeemer, pray for us.

Full of grace, pray for us.

Fountain of beauty, pray for us.

Model of virtue, pray for us.

Finest fruit of the redemption, pray for us.

Perfect disciple of Christ, pray for us.

Untarnished image of the Church, pray for us.

Woman transformed, pray for us.

Woman clothed with the sun, pray for us.

Woman crowned with stars, pray for us.

Gentle Lady, pray for us.

Gracious Lady, pray for us.

Our Lady, pray for us.

Joy of Israel, pray for us.

Splendor of the Church, pray for us.

Pride of the human race, pray for us.

Advocate of peace, pray for us.

Minister of holiness, pray for us.

Champion of God’s people, pray for us.

Queen of love, pray for us.

Queen of mercy, pray for us.

Queen of peace, pray for us.

Queen of angels, pray for us.

Queen of patriarchs and prophets, pray for us.

Queen of apostles and martyrs, pray for us.

Queen of confessors and 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 all the earth, pray for us.

Queen of heaven, pray for us.

Queen of the universe, pray for us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, spare us O Lord.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, hear us O Lord.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Pray for us O glorious Mother of the Lord, that we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.

God of mercy,

Listen to the prayers of your servants

Who have honored your handmaid Mary

As mother and queen;

Grant that by your holy grace

We may serve you and our neighbor on earth

And be welcomed into your eternal kingdom;

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "The Baptism of Christ" by Antoine Coypel

https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/the-baptism-of-christ/LgHelLtisHOerA?hl=en&ms=%7B%22x%22%3A0.5%2C%22y%22%3A0.5%2C%22B%22%3A9.382795305175723%2C%22z%22%3A9.382795305175723%2C%22size%22%3A%7B%22width%22%3A3.279152163465748%2C%22height%22%3A1.2375%7D%7D

(Left-click the white slider bar in the mini picture, then drag the white slider bar left or right to find your preferred size — you might have to play with it because it’s a little tricky)

PRAYER: Invocation of the Holy Spirit ***REQUIRED***

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful,

And enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Lord, send forth your Spirit,

And you will renew the face of the earth.

O God,

Who instructs the hearts of your faithful

With the light of your Holy Spirit,

Make us responsive to his inspirations

So that we may be truly wise and

Ever rejoice in his consolations,

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "Transfiguration" by Peter Paul Rubens

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transfiguration_(Rubens)#/media/File:Transfiguration-Rubens.JPG

(Left-click once or twice on the picture and, if necessary, scroll up)

SCRIPTURE: 1 John 1: 1-4 ***REQUIRED***

What was from the beginning,

what we have heard,

what we have seen with our eyes,

what we looked upon

and touched with our hands

concerns the Word of life—

for the life was made visible;

we have seen it and testify to it

and proclaim to you the eternal life

that was with the Father and was made visible to us—

what we have seen and heard

we proclaim now to you,

so that you too may have fellowship with us;

for our fellowship is with the Father

and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

We are writing this so that our joy may be complete.

SACRED ART: "Founder Statue of St. Louis de Montfort" by Giacomo Parsini

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_de_Montfort#/media/File:2016_-_Statues_in_Saint_Peter%27s_Basilica_06.jpg

(Left-click once or twice on the picture to get a closer view)

REFLECTION BY ST. LOUIS DE MONTFORT: True Devotion to Mary (#48) ***REQUIRED***

Time does not permit me to linger here and elaborate on the perfections and wonders of the mystery of Jesus living and reigning in Mary, or the Incarnation of the Word. I shall confine myself to the following brief remarks. The Incarnation is the first mystery of Jesus Christ; it is the most hidden; and it is the most exalted and the least known. It was in this mystery that Jesus, in the womb of Mary and with her cooperation, chose all the elect. For this reason the saints call her womb the throne-room of God’s mysteries. It was in this mystery that Jesus anticipated all subsequent mysteries of his life by his willing acceptance of them. Consequently, this mystery is a summary of all his mysteries since it contains the intention and the grace of them all. Lastly, this mystery is the seat of the mercy, the liberality and the glory of God. It is the seat of his mercy for us, since we can approach and speak to Jesus through Mary. We need her intervention to see or speak to him. Here, ever responsive to the prayer of his Mother, Jesus unfailingly grants grace and mercy to all poor sinners. “Let us come boldly before the throne of grace.” It is the seat of liberality for Mary, because while the new Adam dwelt in this truly earthly paradise God performed there so many hidden marvels beyond the understanding of men and angels. For this reason, the saints call Mary “the magnificence of God,” as if God showed his magnificence only in Mary. It is the seat of glory to his Father, because it was in Mary that Jesus perfectly atoned to his Father on behalf of mankind. It was here that he perfectly restored the glory that sin had taken from his Father. It was here that our Lord, by the sacrifice of himself and of his will, gave more glory to God than he would have given had he offered all the sacrifices of the Old Law. Finally in Mary he gave his Father infinite glory such as his Father had never received from man.

RESOLUTION ***REQUIRED***

I will be more conscious throughout today of the presence of Christ in all aspects of my life.

SACRED ART: "The Visitation" by Raphael and Giulio Romano or Giovanni Francesco Penni

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-visitation/c02d195f-fdc4-4c61-bedf-e19216dd7335

(Either leave the picture as it is, or you may left-click on the minus sign once or twice in order to get a farther view)

PRAYER: Jesus Living in Mary ***REQUIRED***

O Jesus living in Mary,

Come and live in your servant,

In the Spirit of your holiness,

In the fullness of your gifts,

In the perfection of your ways,

In the truth of your virtues,

In the communion of your mysteries.

Subdue within me

The power of flesh and demon

By your Holy Spirit,

For the glory of God the father.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "The Resurrection" by Carl Bloch

https://www.wikiart.org/en/carl-bloch/resurrection-of-christ-1875

(Left-click twice on the picture to get a closer view)

PRAYER: Prayer of St. Augustine ***REQUIRED***

O Jesus Christ,

You are my father,

My merciful God,

My great king,

My good shepherd,

My only master,

My best helper,

My beloved friend

Of overwhelming beauty,

My living bread,

My eternal priest;

You are my guide

To my heavenly home,

My one true light,

My holy joy,

My true way,

My shining wisdom,

My unfeigned simplicity,

The peace and harmony

Of my soul,

My perfect safeguard,

My bounteous inheritance,

My everlasting salvation;

My loving Lord,

Jesus Christ,

Why have I ever loved or desired

Anything else in my life but you, my God?

Where was I

When I was not in communion with you?

From now on,

I direct all my desires

To be inspired by you

And centered on you;

I direct them to press forward

For they have tarried long enough,

To hasten towards their goal,

To seek the one they yearn for;

O Jesus,

Let him who does not love you

Be accursed,

And filled with bitterness;

O gentle Jesus,

Let every worthy feeling of mine

Show you love,

Take delight in you

And admire you;

O God of my heart

And my inheritance,

Christ Jesus,

May my heart mellow

Before the influence of your spirit

And may you live in me;

May the flame of your love

Burn in my soul;

May it burn incessantly

On the altar of my heart;

May it glow

In my innermost being;

May it spread its heat

Into the hidden recesses

Of my soul

And on the day

Of my consummation

May I appear before you

Consumed in your love.

Amen.

TOTAL CONSECRATION: DAY 27 / September 1, 2023 by Joe Castorino

SACRED ART: "Pietà" by Michelangelo

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marian_art_in_the_Catholic_Church#/media/File:Michelangelo's_Pieta_5450_cropncleaned.jpg

(Left-click once or twice on the picture to see the painting at closer range)

PRAYER: Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary ***REQUIRED***

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

God our Father in heaven, have mercy on us.

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

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.

Holy Mother of God, pray for us.

Most honored of virgins, pray for us.

Chosen daughter of the Father, pray for us.

Mother of Christ the King, pray for us.

Glory of the Holy Spirit, pray for us.

Virgin daughter of Zion, pray for us.

Virgin poor and humble, pray for us.

Virgin gentle and obedient, pray for us.

Handmaid of the Lord, pray for us.

Mother of the Lord, pray for us.

Helper of the Redeemer, pray for us.

Full of grace, pray for us.

Fountain of beauty, pray for us.

Model of virtue, pray for us.

Finest fruit of the redemption, pray for us.

Perfect disciple of Christ, pray for us.

Untarnished image of the Church, pray for us.

Woman transformed, pray for us.

Woman clothed with the sun, pray for us.

Woman crowned with stars, pray for us.

Gentle Lady, pray for us.

Gracious Lady, pray for us.

Our Lady, pray for us.

Joy of Israel, pray for us.

Splendor of the Church, pray for us.

Pride of the human race, pray for us.

Advocate of peace, pray for us.

Minister of holiness, pray for us.

Champion of God’s people, pray for us.

Queen of love, pray for us.

Queen of mercy, pray for us.

Queen of peace, pray for us.

Queen of angels, pray for us.

Queen of patriarchs and prophets, pray for us.

Queen of apostles and martyrs, pray for us.

Queen of confessors and 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 all the earth, pray for us.

Queen of heaven, pray for us.

Queen of the universe, pray for us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, spare us O Lord.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, hear us O Lord.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Pray for us O glorious Mother of the Lord, that we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.

God of mercy,

Listen to the prayers of your servants

Who have honored your handmaid Mary

As mother and queen;

Grant that by your holy grace

We may serve you and our neighbor on earth

And be welcomed into your eternal kingdom;

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "The Baptism of Christ" by Antoine Coypel

(Left-click the white slider bar in the mini picture, then drag the white slider bar left or right to find your preferred size — you might have to play with it because it’s a little tricky)

PRAYER: Invocation of the Holy Spirit ***REQUIRED***

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful,

And enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Lord, send forth your Spirit,

And you will renew the face of the earth.

O God,

Who instructs the hearts of your faithful

With the light of your Holy Spirit,

Make us responsive to his inspirations

So that we may be truly wise and

Ever rejoice in his consolations,

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "Transfiguration" by Peter Paul Rubens

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transfiguration_(Rubens)#/media/File:Transfiguration-Rubens.JPG

(Left-click once or twice on the picture and, if necessary, scroll up)

SCRIPTURE: John 15: 1-5 ***REQUIRED***

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.

SACRED ART: "Founder Statue of St. Louis de Montfort" by Giacomo Parsini

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_de_Montfort#/media/File:2016_-_Statues_in_Saint_Peter%27s_Basilica_06.jpg

(Left-click once or twice on the picture to get a closer view)

REFLECTION BY ST. LOUIS DE MONTFORT: True Devotion to Mary (#61) ***REQUIRED***

Jesus, our Savior, true God and true man must be the ultimate end of all our other devotions; otherwise they would be false and misleading. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end of everything… For in him alone dwells the entire fullness of the divinity and the complete fullness of grace, virtue and perfection. In him alone we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing; he is the only teacher from whom we must learn; the only Lord on whom we should depend; the only Head to whom we should be united and the only model that we should imitate. He is the only Physician that can heal us; the only Shepherd that can feed us; the only Way that can lead us; the only Truth that we can believe; the only Life that can animate us. He alone is everything to us and he alone can satisfy all our desires. We are given no other name under heaven by which we can be saved. God has laid no other foundation for our salvation, perfection and glory than Jesus. Every edifice which is not built on that firm rock is founded on shifting sands and will certainly fall sooner or later. Every one of the faithful who is not united to him is like a branch broken from the stem of the vine. It falls and withers and is fit only to be burnt. If we live in Jesus and Jesus lives in us, we need not fear damnation. Neither angels in heaven nor men on earth, nor devils in hell, no creature whatever can harm us, for no creature can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. Through him, with him and in him, we can do all things and render all honor and glory to the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit; we can make ourselves perfect and be for our neighbor a fragrance of eternal life.

QUESTIONS ***REQUIRED***

In the decisions that you make every day, do you unite yourself with Jesus? In your daily activities and your work, do you remain united with Christ? What separates you from Jesus?

SACRED ART: "The Visitation" by Raphael and Giulio Romano or Giovanni Francesco Penni

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-visitation/c02d195f-fdc4-4c61-bedf-e19216dd7335

(Either leave the picture as it is, or you may left-click on the minus sign once or twice in order to get a farther view)

PRAYER: Jesus Living in Mary ***REQUIRED***

O Jesus living in Mary,

Come and live in your servant,

In the Spirit of your holiness,

In the fullness of your gifts,

In the perfection of your ways,

In the truth of your virtues,

In the communion of your mysteries.

Subdue within me

The power of flesh and demon

By your Holy Spirit,

For the glory of God the father.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "The Resurrection" by Carl Bloch

https://www.wikiart.org/en/carl-bloch/resurrection-of-christ-1875

(Left-click twice on the picture to get a closer view)

PRAYER: Prayer of St. Augustine ***REQUIRED***

O Jesus Christ,

You are my father,

My merciful God,

My great king,

My good shepherd,

My only master,

My best helper,

My beloved friend

Of overwhelming beauty,

My living bread,

My eternal priest;

You are my guide

To my heavenly home,

My one true light,

My holy joy,

My true way,

My shining wisdom,

My unfeigned simplicity,

The peace and harmony

Of my soul,

My perfect safeguard,

My bounteous inheritance,

My everlasting salvation;

My loving Lord,

Jesus Christ,

Why have I ever loved or desired

Anything else in my life but you, my God?

Where was I

When I was not in communion with you?

From now on,

I direct all my desires

To be inspired by you

And centered on you;

I direct them to press forward

For they have tarried long enough,

To hasten towards their goal,

To seek the one they yearn for;

O Jesus,

Let him who does not love you

Be accursed,

And filled with bitterness;

O gentle Jesus,

Let every worthy feeling of mine

Show you love,

Take delight in you

And admire you;

O God of my heart

And my inheritance,

Christ Jesus,

May my heart mellow

Before the influence of your spirit

And may you live in me;

May the flame of your love

Burn in my soul;

May it burn incessantly

On the altar of my heart;

May it glow

In my innermost being;

May it spread its heat

Into the hidden recesses

Of my soul

And on the day

Of my consummation

May I appear before you

Consumed in your love.

Amen.

TOTAL CONSECRATION: DAY 26 / September 1, 2023 by Joe Castorino

SACRED ART: "The Sistine Madonna" by Raphael

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sistine_Madonna#/media/File:RAFAEL_-_Madonna_Sixtina_(Gem%C3%A4ldegalerie_Alter_Meister,_Dresden,_1513-14._%C3%93leo_sobre_lienzo,_265_x_196_cm).jpg

(Left-click twice on the picture to see the painting at closer range)

PRAYER: Litany of Loreto ***OPTIONAL***

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

God our Father in heaven, have mercy on us.

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

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.

Holy Mother of God, pray for us.

Most honored of virgins, pray for us.

Mother of Christ, pray for us.

Mother of the Church, pray for us.

Mother of divine grace, pray for us.

Mother most pure, pray for us.

Mother of chaste love, pray for us.

Mother and virgin, pray for us.

Sinless mother, pray for us.

Dearest of mothers, pray for us.

Model of motherhood, 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 wise, pray for us.

Virgin rightly praised, pray for us.

Virgin rightly renowned, pray for us.

Virgin most powerful, pray for us.

Virgin gentle in mercy, pray for us.

Faithful Virgin, pray for us.

Mirror of justice, pray for us.

Throne of wisdom, pray for us.

Cause of our joy, pray for us.

Shrine of the Spirit, pray for us.

Glory of Israel, pray for us.

Vessel of selfless 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.

Comfort of the troubled, pray for us.

Help of Christians, pray for us.

Queen of angels, pray for us.

Queen of patriarchs and prophets, pray for us.

Queen of apostles and martyrs, pray for us.

Queen of confessors and 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 rosary, pray for us.

Queen of families, pray for us.

Queen of peace, pray for us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Pray for us, Holy Mother of God, that we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.

Eternal God,

Let your people enjoy constant health in mind and body.

Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary,

Free us from the sorrows of this life,

And lead us to happiness in the life to come.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "The Baptism of Christ" by Antoine Coypel

(Left-click the white slider bar in the mini picture, then drag the white slider bar left or right to find your preferred size — you might have to play with it because it’s a little tricky)

PRAYER: Invocation of the Holy Spirit ***REQUIRED***

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful,

And enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Lord, send forth your Spirit,

And you will renew the face of the earth.

O God,

Who instructs the hearts of your faithful

With the light of your Holy Spirit,

Make us responsive to his inspirations

So that we may be truly wise and

Ever rejoice in his consolations,

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "Crucifixion" by Frans Francken

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/Frans_Francken_d._J._003.jpg

(Left-click once on the picture to see the painting at closer range)

SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 3: 18 ***REQUIRED***

All of us, gazing with unveiled face on the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as from the Lord who is the Spirit.

SACRED ART: "Founder Statue of St. Louis de Montfort" by Giacomo Parsini

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_de_Montfort#/media/File:2016_-_Statues_in_Saint_Peter%27s_Basilica_06.jpg

(Left-click once or twice on the picture to get a closer view)

REFLECTION BY ST. LOUIS DE MONTFORT: True Devotion to Mary (#219-221) ***REQUIRED***

Please note that I say that the saints are molded in Mary. There is a vast difference between carving a statue by blows of hammer and chisel and making a statue by using a mold. Sculptors and statue makers work hard and need plenty of time to make statues by the first method. But the second method does not involve much work and takes very little time. St. Augustine speaking to our Blessed Lady says, “You are worthy to be called the mold of God.” Mary is a mold capable of forming people into the image of the God-man. Anyone who is cast into this divine mold is quickly shaped and molded into Jesus and Jesus into him. At little cost and in a short time he will become Christ-like since he is cast into the very same mold that fashioned a God-man. I think I can very well compare some spiritual directors and devout persons to sculptors who wish to produce Jesus in themselves and in others by methods other than this. Many of them rely on their own skill, ingenuity and art and chip away endlessly with a mallet and chisel at hard stone or badly-prepared wood, in an effort to produce a likeness to our Lord. At times, they do not manage to produce a recognizable likeness either because they lack knowledge and experience of the person of Jesus or because a clumsy stroke has spoiled the whole work. But those who accept this little-known secret of grace which I offer them can rightly be compared to smelters and molders who have discovered the beautiful mold of Mary where Jesus was so divinely and so naturally formed. They do not rely on their own skill but on the perfection of the mold. They cast and lose themselves in Mary where they become true models of her Son. You may think this a beautiful and convincing comparison. But how many understand it? I would like you, my dear friend, to understand it. But remember that only molten or liquefied substances may be poured into a mold. This means you must crush and melt down the old Adam in you if you wish to acquire the likeness of the new Adam in Mary.

QUESTIONS ***REQUIRED***

Am I truly willing to experience a total transformation of my person in Christ? Does the call to such a complete personal transformation give me fear? Am I attracted by the idea of being transformed into Christ? What is stronger within me — the fear of changing or the attraction to Christ?

SACRED ART: "The Visitation" by Raphael and Giulio Romano or Giovanni Francesco Penni

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-visitation/c02d195f-fdc4-4c61-bedf-e19216dd7335

(Either leave the picture as it is, or you may left-click on the minus sign once or twice in order to get a farther view)

PRAYER: Jesus Living in Mary ***REQUIRED***

O Jesus living in Mary,

Come and live in your servant,

In the Spirit of your holiness,

In the fullness of your gifts,

In the perfection of your ways,

In the truth of your virtues,

In the communion of your mysteries.

Subdue within me

The power of flesh and demon

By your Holy Spirit,

For the glory of God the father.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "The Coronation of the Virgin" by Pedro de Calabria

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-coronation-of-the-virgin/0055a585-4c6e-48ae-935a-0ac083d819ef

(Either leave the picture as it is, or you may left-click on the plus sign or minus sign in order to get a closer or farther view)

PRAYER: St. Louis de Montfort’s Rosary Prayer ***REQUIRED***

Hail Mary,

Beloved Daughter of the Eternal Father,

Admirable Mother of the Son,

Faithful Spouse of the Holy Spirit,

August Temple of the most Holy Trinity,

Hail, Sovereign Princess,

To whom all owe subjection

In Heaven and on earth!

Hail, sure refuge of sinners,

Our Lady of Mercy,

Who has never refused any request.

All sinful though I am,

I cast myself at your feet

And beseech you to obtain from Jesus,

Your Beloved Son,

Contrition and pardon for all my sins,

As well as the gift of divine wisdom.

I consecrate myself entirely to you

With all that I have.

I choose you today

For my Mother and Mistress.

Treat me, then, as the least of your children,

And the most obedient of your servants.

Listen, my princess,

Listen to the sighs of a heart

That desires to love and serve you faithfully.

Let it never be said

That of all those who have had recourse to you,

I was the first to be abandoned.

O my hope, O my life,

O my faithful and Immaculate Virgin Mary,

Defend me, nourish me,

Hear me, teach me, and save me.

Amen.

PRAYER: Five Decades of the Holy Rosary ***REQUIRED***

SACRED ART: "The Holy Family with St. Elizabeth and the Infant St. John the Baptist" by Pompeo Batoni

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/43/Hermitagebatoniholyfamily.jpg

(Either leave the picture as it is, or you may left-click once on the picture to get a closer view)

PRAYER: Ave Maris Stella ***REQUIRED***

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 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.

TOTAL CONSECRATION: DAY 25 / September 1, 2023 by Joe Castorino

SACRED ART: "The Sistine Madonna" by Raphael

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sistine_Madonna#/media/File:RAFAEL_-_Madonna_Sixtina_(Gem%C3%A4ldegalerie_Alter_Meister,_Dresden,_1513-14._%C3%93leo_sobre_lienzo,_265_x_196_cm).jpg

(Left-click twice on the picture to see the painting at closer range)

PRAYER: Litany of Loreto ***OPTIONAL***

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

God our Father in heaven, have mercy on us.

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

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.

Holy Mother of God, pray for us.

Most honored of virgins, pray for us.

Mother of Christ, pray for us.

Mother of the Church, pray for us.

Mother of divine grace, pray for us.

Mother most pure, pray for us.

Mother of chaste love, pray for us.

Mother and virgin, pray for us.

Sinless mother, pray for us.

Dearest of mothers, pray for us.

Model of motherhood, 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 wise, pray for us.

Virgin rightly praised, pray for us.

Virgin rightly renowned, pray for us.

Virgin most powerful, pray for us.

Virgin gentle in mercy, pray for us.

Faithful Virgin, pray for us.

Mirror of justice, pray for us.

Throne of wisdom, pray for us.

Cause of our joy, pray for us.

Shrine of the Spirit, pray for us.

Glory of Israel, pray for us.

Vessel of selfless 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.

Comfort of the troubled, pray for us.

Help of Christians, pray for us.

Queen of angels, pray for us.

Queen of patriarchs and prophets, pray for us.

Queen of apostles and martyrs, pray for us.

Queen of confessors and 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 rosary, pray for us.

Queen of families, pray for us.

Queen of peace, pray for us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Pray for us, Holy Mother of God, that we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.

Eternal God,

Let your people enjoy constant health in mind and body.

Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary,

Free us from the sorrows of this life,

And lead us to happiness in the life to come.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "The Baptism of Christ" by Antoine Coypel

(Left-click the white slider bar in the mini picture, then drag the white slider bar left or right to find your preferred size — you might have to play with it because it’s a little tricky)

PRAYER: Invocation of the Holy Spirit ***REQUIRED***

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful,

And enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Lord, send forth your Spirit,

And you will renew the face of the earth.

O God,

Who instructs the hearts of your faithful

With the light of your Holy Spirit,

Make us responsive to his inspirations

So that we may be truly wise and

Ever rejoice in his consolations,

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "Crucifixion" by Frans Francken

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/Frans_Francken_d._J._003.jpg

(Left-click once on the picture to see the painting at closer range)

SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 1: 5-8 ***REQUIRED***

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, virtue with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion, devotion with mutual affection, mutual affection with love. If these are yours and increase in abundance, they will keep you from being idle or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

SACRED ART: "Founder Statue of St. Louis de Montfort" by Giacomo Parsini

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_de_Montfort#/media/File:2016_-_Statues_in_Saint_Peter%27s_Basilica_06.jpg

(Left-click once or twice on the picture to get a closer view)

REFLECTION BY ST. LOUIS DE MONTFORT: The Secret of Mary (#57) ***REQUIRED***

To sum up, Mary becomes all things for the soul that wishes to serve Jesus Christ. She enlightens his mind with her pure faith. She deepens his heart with her humility. She enlarges and inflames his heart with her charity, makes it pure with her purity, makes it noble and great through her motherly care. But why dwell on this? Experience alone will teach us the wonders wrought by Mary in the soul, wonders so great that the wise and the proud and even a great number of devout people find it hard to credit them.

QUESTIONS ***REQUIRED***

What aspect of your spirit is most like Mary? What aspect of your spirit is most unlike, and opposed, to her?

SACRED ART: "The Visitation" by Raphael and Giulio Romano or Giovanni Francesco Penni

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-visitation/c02d195f-fdc4-4c61-bedf-e19216dd7335

(Either leave the picture as it is, or you may left-click on the minus sign once or twice in order to get a farther view)

PRAYER: Jesus Living in Mary ***REQUIRED***

O Jesus living in Mary,

Come and live in your servant,

In the Spirit of your holiness,

In the fullness of your gifts,

In the perfection of your ways,

In the truth of your virtues,

In the communion of your mysteries.

Subdue within me

The power of flesh and demon

By your Holy Spirit,

For the glory of God the father.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "The Coronation of the Virgin" by Pedro de Calabria

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-coronation-of-the-virgin/0055a585-4c6e-48ae-935a-0ac083d819ef

(Either leave the picture as it is, or you may left-click on the plus sign or minus sign in order to get a closer or farther view)

PRAYER: St. Louis de Montfort’s Rosary Prayer ***REQUIRED***

Hail Mary,

Beloved Daughter of the Eternal Father,

Admirable Mother of the Son,

Faithful Spouse of the Holy Spirit,

August Temple of the most Holy Trinity,

Hail, Sovereign Princess,

To whom all owe subjection

In Heaven and on earth!

Hail, sure refuge of sinners,

Our Lady of Mercy,

Who has never refused any request.

All sinful though I am,

I cast myself at your feet

And beseech you to obtain from Jesus,

Your Beloved Son,

Contrition and pardon for all my sins,

As well as the gift of divine wisdom.

I consecrate myself entirely to you

With all that I have.

I choose you today

For my Mother and Mistress.

Treat me, then, as the least of your children,

And the most obedient of your servants.

Listen, my princess,

Listen to the sighs of a heart

That desires to love and serve you faithfully.

Let it never be said

That of all those who have had recourse to you,

I was the first to be abandoned.

O my hope, O my life,

O my faithful and Immaculate Virgin Mary,

Defend me, nourish me,

Hear me, teach me, and save me.

Amen.

PRAYER: Five Decades of the Holy Rosary ***OPTIONAL***

TOTAL CONSECRATION: DAY 24 / September 1, 2023 by Joe Castorino

SACRED ART: "The Sistine Madonna" by Raphael

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sistine_Madonna#/media/File:RAFAEL_-_Madonna_Sixtina_(Gem%C3%A4ldegalerie_Alter_Meister,_Dresden,_1513-14._%C3%93leo_sobre_lienzo,_265_x_196_cm).jpg

(Left-click twice on the picture to see the painting at closer range)

PRAYER: Litany of Loreto ***OPTIONAL***

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

God our Father in heaven, have mercy on us.

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

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.

Holy Mother of God, pray for us.

Most honored of virgins, pray for us.

Mother of Christ, pray for us.

Mother of the Church, pray for us.

Mother of divine grace, pray for us.

Mother most pure, pray for us.

Mother of chaste love, pray for us.

Mother and virgin, pray for us.

Sinless mother, pray for us.

Dearest of mothers, pray for us.

Model of motherhood, 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 wise, pray for us.

Virgin rightly praised, pray for us.

Virgin rightly renowned, pray for us.

Virgin most powerful, pray for us.

Virgin gentle in mercy, pray for us.

Faithful Virgin, pray for us.

Mirror of justice, pray for us.

Throne of wisdom, pray for us.

Cause of our joy, pray for us.

Shrine of the Spirit, pray for us.

Glory of Israel, pray for us.

Vessel of selfless 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.

Comfort of the troubled, pray for us.

Help of Christians, pray for us.

Queen of angels, pray for us.

Queen of patriarchs and prophets, pray for us.

Queen of apostles and martyrs, pray for us.

Queen of confessors and 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 rosary, pray for us.

Queen of families, pray for us.

Queen of peace, pray for us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Pray for us, Holy Mother of God, that we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.

Eternal God,

Let your people enjoy constant health in mind and body.

Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary,

Free us from the sorrows of this life,

And lead us to happiness in the life to come.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "Pentecost" by Jean Restout

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_II_Restout#/media/File:Jean_II_Restout_-_Pentecôte.jpg

PRAYER: Invocation of the Holy Spirit ***REQUIRED***

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful,

And enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Lord, send forth your Spirit,

And you will renew the face of the earth.

O God,

Who instructs the hearts of your faithful

With the light of your Holy Spirit,

Make us responsive to his inspirations

So that we may be truly wise and

Ever rejoice in his consolations,

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "Christ Carrying the Cross" by El Greco

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christ_Carrying_the_Cross_(El_Greco,_New_York)#/media/File:Cristo_abrazado_a_la_cruz_El_Greco.jpg

(Left-click once or twice on the picture to see the painting at closer range)

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6: 19-21 ***REQUIRED***

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.

SACRED ART: "Founder Statue of St. Louis de Montfort" by Giacomo Parsini

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_de_Montfort#/media/File:2016_-_Statues_in_Saint_Peter%27s_Basilica_06.jpg

(Left-click once or twice on the picture to get a closer view)

REFLECTION BY ST. LOUIS DE MONTFORT: True Devotion to Mary (#178) ***REQUIRED***

Do not commit the gold of your charity, the silver of your purity to a threadbare sack or a battered old chest, or the waters of heavenly grace or the wines of your merits and virtues to a tainted and fetid cask, such as you are. Otherwise you will be robbed by thieving devils who are on the lookout day and night waiting for a favorable opportunity to plunder. If you do so, all those pure gifts from God will be spoiled by the unwholesome presence of self-love, inordinate self-reliance and self-will. Pour into the bosom and heart of Mary all your precious possessions, all your graces and virtues. She is a spiritual vessel, a vessel of honor, a singular vessel of devotion. Ever since God himself personally hid himself with all his perfections in this vessel, it has become completely spiritual, and the abode of all spiritual souls. It has become honorable and has been the throne of honor for the greatest saints in heaven. It has become outstanding in devotion and the home of those renowned for gentleness, grace and virtue. Moreover, it has become rich as a house of gold, as strong as a tower of David and as pure as a tower of ivory.

QUESTIONS. ***REQUIRED***

What are your best qualities? What are the greatest blessings that you have received? What is the most prized treasure of your heart? Do you have the confidence to turn all of these over to the care and custody of Mary?

RESOLUTION ***REQUIRED***

In your prayer tonight, put all of the spiritual treasures that you receive during the day into the hands of Mary so that she can guard them and augment them for you. Continue to pray in this manner each night.

SACRED ART: "The Visitation" by Raphael and Giulio Romano or Giovanni Francesco Penni

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-visitation/c02d195f-fdc4-4c61-bedf-e19216dd7335

(Either leave the picture as it is, or you may left-click on the minus sign once or twice in order to get a farther view)

PRAYER: Jesus Living in Mary ***REQUIRED***

O Jesus living in Mary,

Come and live in your servant,

In the Spirit of your holiness,

In the fullness of your gifts,

In the perfection of your ways,

In the truth of your virtues,

In the communion of your mysteries.

Subdue within me

The power of flesh and demon

By your Holy Spirit,

For the glory of God the father.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "Madonna of the Magnificat" by Sandro Botticelli

https://www.wikiart.org/en/sandro-botticelli/madonna-of-the-magnificat-1481

(Left-click twice on the picture to get a closer view)

PRAYER: St. Louis de Montfort’s Rosary Prayer ***REQUIRED***

Hail Mary,

Beloved Daughter of the Eternal Father,

Admirable Mother of the Son,

Faithful Spouse of the Holy Spirit,

August Temple of the most Holy Trinity,

Hail, Sovereign Princess,

To whom all owe subjection

In Heaven and on earth!

Hail, sure refuge of sinners,

Our Lady of Mercy,

Who has never refused any request.

All sinful though I am,

I cast myself at your feet

And beseech you to obtain from Jesus,

Your Beloved Son,

Contrition and pardon for all my sins,

As well as the gift of divine wisdom.

I consecrate myself entirely to you

With all that I have.

I choose you today

For my Mother and Mistress.

Treat me, then, as the least of your children,

And the most obedient of your servants.

Listen, my princess,

Listen to the sighs of a heart

That desires to love and serve you faithfully.

Let it never be said

That of all those who have had recourse to you,

I was the first to be abandoned.

O my hope, O my life,

O my faithful and Immaculate Virgin Mary,

Defend me, nourish me,

Hear me, teach me, and save me.

Amen.

PRAYER: Five Decades of the Holy Rosary ***OPTIONAL***

TOTAL CONSECRATION: DAY 23 / September 1, 2023 by Joe Castorino

SACRED ART: "The Sistine Madonna" by Raphael

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sistine_Madonna#/media/File:RAFAEL_-_Madonna_Sixtina_(Gem%C3%A4ldegalerie_Alter_Meister,_Dresden,_1513-14._%C3%93leo_sobre_lienzo,_265_x_196_cm).jpg

(Left-click twice on the picture to see the painting at closer range)

PRAYER: Litany of Loreto ***OPTIONAL***

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

God our Father in heaven, have mercy on us.

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

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.

Holy Mother of God, pray for us.

Most honored of virgins, pray for us.

Mother of Christ, pray for us.

Mother of the Church, pray for us.

Mother of divine grace, pray for us.

Mother most pure, pray for us.

Mother of chaste love, pray for us.

Mother and virgin, pray for us.

Sinless mother, pray for us.

Dearest of mothers, pray for us.

Model of motherhood, 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 wise, pray for us.

Virgin rightly praised, pray for us.

Virgin rightly renowned, pray for us.

Virgin most powerful, pray for us.

Virgin gentle in mercy, pray for us.

Faithful Virgin, pray for us.

Mirror of justice, pray for us.

Throne of wisdom, pray for us.

Cause of our joy, pray for us.

Shrine of the Spirit, pray for us.

Glory of Israel, pray for us.

Vessel of selfless 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.

Comfort of the troubled, pray for us.

Help of Christians, pray for us.

Queen of angels, pray for us.

Queen of patriarchs and prophets, pray for us.

Queen of apostles and martyrs, pray for us.

Queen of confessors and 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 rosary, pray for us.

Queen of families, pray for us.

Queen of peace, pray for us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Pray for us, Holy Mother of God, that we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.

Eternal God,

Let your people enjoy constant health in mind and body.

Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary,

Free us from the sorrows of this life,

And lead us to happiness in the life to come.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "Pentecost" by Jean Restout

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_II_Restout#/media/File:Jean_II_Restout_-_Pentecôte.jpg

PRAYER: Invocation of the Holy Spirit ***REQUIRED***

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful,

And enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Lord, send forth your Spirit,

And you will renew the face of the earth.

O God,

Who instructs the hearts of your faithful

With the light of your Holy Spirit,

Make us responsive to his inspirations

So that we may be truly wise and

Ever rejoice in his consolations,

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "Adoration of the Shepherds" by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Bartolomé_Esteban_Murillo#/media/File:Bartolomé_Esteban_Perez_Murillo_-_Adoration_of_the_Shepherds_-_WGA16387.jpg

(Left-click once on the picture to get a clearer view)

SCRIPTURE: Luke 2: 6-7 ***REQUIRED***

While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

SACRED ART: "Founder Statue of St. Louis de Montfort" by Giacomo Parsini

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_de_Montfort#/media/File:2016_-_Statues_in_Saint_Peter%27s_Basilica_06.jpg

(Left-click once or twice on the picture to get a closer view)

REFLECTION BY ST. LOUIS DE MONTFORT: True Devotion to Mary (#157) ***REQUIRED***

Mary is the most perfect and most holy of all creatures, and Jesus, who came to us in a perfect manner, chose no other road for his great and wonderful journey. The Most High, the Incomprehensible One, the Inaccessible One, He Who Is, deigned to come down to us poor earthly creatures who are nothing at all. How was this done? The Most High God came down to us in a perfect way through the humble Virgin Mary, without losing any of his divinity or holiness. It is likewise through Mary that we poor creatures must ascend to Almighty God in a perfect manner without having anything to fear. God, the Incomprehensible, allowed himself to be contained by the humble Virgin Mary without losing anything of his immensity. So we must let ourselves be perfectly contained and led by the humble Virgin without any reserve on our part. God, the Inaccessible, drew near to us and united himself closely, perfectly and even personally to our humanity through Mary without losing anything of his majesty. So it is also through Mary that we must draw near to God and unite ourselves with him perfectly, intimately and without fear of being rejected. Lastly, He Who Is deigned to come down to us who are not and turned our nothingness into God, or He Who Is. He did this perfectly by giving and submitting himself entirely to the young Virgin Mary, without ceasing to be in time He Who Is from all eternity. Likewise it is through Mary that we, who are nothing, may become like God by grace and glory. We accomplish this by giving ourselves to her so perfectly and so completely as to remain nothing, as far as self is concerned, and to be everything in her, without any fear of illusion.

RESOLUTION ***REQUIRED***

As St. Louis de Montfort shows us, when we confide our lives into the care of Mary we experience a profound union with Jesus Christ because we are participating in the most profound and most basic movement of his life. In your prayer today, ask Jesus for a great confidence in and submission to the Virgin Mary.

SACRED ART: "The Visitation" by Raphael and Giulio Romano or Giovanni Francesco Penni

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-visitation/c02d195f-fdc4-4c61-bedf-e19216dd7335

(Either leave the picture as it is, or you may left-click on the minus sign once or twice in order to get a farther view)

PRAYER: Jesus Living in Mary ***REQUIRED***

O Jesus living in Mary,

Come and live in your servant,

In the Spirit of your holiness,

In the fullness of your gifts,

In the perfection of your ways,

In the truth of your virtues,

In the communion of your mysteries.

Subdue within me

The power of flesh and demon

By your Holy Spirit,

For the glory of God the father.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "Madonna of the Magnificat" by Sandro Botticelli

https://www.wikiart.org/en/sandro-botticelli/madonna-of-the-magnificat-1481

(Left-click twice on the picture to get a closer view)

PRAYER: St. Louis de Montfort’s Rosary Prayer ***REQUIRED***

Hail Mary,

Beloved Daughter of the Eternal Father,

Admirable Mother of the Son,

Faithful Spouse of the Holy Spirit,

August Temple of the most Holy Trinity,

Hail, Sovereign Princess,

To whom all owe subjection

In Heaven and on earth!

Hail, sure refuge of sinners,

Our Lady of Mercy,

Who has never refused any request.

All sinful though I am,

I cast myself at your feet

And beseech you to obtain from Jesus,

Your Beloved Son,

Contrition and pardon for all my sins,

As well as the gift of divine wisdom.

I consecrate myself entirely to you

With all that I have.

I choose you today

For my Mother and Mistress.

Treat me, then, as the least of your children,

And the most obedient of your servants.

Listen, my princess,

Listen to the sighs of a heart

That desires to love and serve you faithfully.

Let it never be said

That of all those who have had recourse to you,

I was the first to be abandoned.

O my hope, O my life,

O my faithful and Immaculate Virgin Mary,

Defend me, nourish me,

Hear me, teach me, and save me.

Amen.

PRAYER: Five Decades of the Holy Rosary ***OPTIONAL***

TOTAL CONSECRATION: DAY 22 / September 1, 2023 by Joe Castorino

SACRED ART: "The Sistine Madonna" by Raphael

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sistine_Madonna#/media/File:RAFAEL_-_Madonna_Sixtina_(Gem%C3%A4ldegalerie_Alter_Meister,_Dresden,_1513-14._%C3%93leo_sobre_lienzo,_265_x_196_cm).jpg

(Left-click twice on the picture to see the painting at closer range)

PRAYER: Litany of Loreto ***OPTIONAL***

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

God our Father in heaven, have mercy on us.

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

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.

Holy Mother of God, pray for us.

Most honored of virgins, pray for us.

Mother of Christ, pray for us.

Mother of the Church, pray for us.

Mother of divine grace, pray for us.

Mother most pure, pray for us.

Mother of chaste love, pray for us.

Mother and virgin, pray for us.

Sinless mother, pray for us.

Dearest of mothers, pray for us.

Model of motherhood, 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 wise, pray for us.

Virgin rightly praised, pray for us.

Virgin rightly renowned, pray for us.

Virgin most powerful, pray for us.

Virgin gentle in mercy, pray for us.

Faithful Virgin, pray for us.

Mirror of justice, pray for us.

Throne of wisdom, pray for us.

Cause of our joy, pray for us.

Shrine of the Spirit, pray for us.

Glory of Israel, pray for us.

Vessel of selfless 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.

Comfort of the troubled, pray for us.

Help of Christians, pray for us.

Queen of angels, pray for us.

Queen of patriarchs and prophets, pray for us.

Queen of apostles and martyrs, pray for us.

Queen of confessors and 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 rosary, pray for us.

Queen of families, pray for us.

Queen of peace, pray for us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Pray for us, Holy Mother of God, that we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.

Eternal God,

Let your people enjoy constant health in mind and body.

Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary,

Free us from the sorrows of this life,

And lead us to happiness in the life to come.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "Pentecost" by Jean Restout

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_II_Restout#/media/File:Jean_II_Restout_-_Pentecôte.jpg

PRAYER: Invocation of the Holy Spirit ***REQUIRED***

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful,

And enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Lord, send forth your Spirit,

And you will renew the face of the earth.

O God,

Who instructs the hearts of your faithful

With the light of your Holy Spirit,

Make us responsive to his inspirations

So that we may be truly wise and

Ever rejoice in his consolations,

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "Christ Carrying the Cross" by El Greco

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christ_Carrying_the_Cross_(El_Greco,_New_York)#/media/File:Cristo_abrazado_a_la_cruz_El_Greco.jpg

(Left-click once on the picture once or twice to see the painting at closer range)

SCRIPTURE: Romans 8: 28-30 ***REQUIRED***

We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.

SACRED ART: "Founder Statue of St. Louis de Montfort" by Giacomo Parsini

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_de_Montfort#/media/File:2016_-_Statues_in_Saint_Peter%27s_Basilica_06.jpg

(Left-click once or twice on the picture to get a closer view)

REFLECTION BY ST. LOUIS DE MONTFORT: The Secret of Mary (#11-12) ***REQUIRED***

As in the natural life a child must have a father and a mother, so in the supernatural life of grace a true child of the Church must have God for his father and Mary for his mother. If he prides himself on having God for his father but does not give Mary the tender affection of a true child, he is an impostor and his father is the devil. Since Mary produced the head of the elect, Jesus Christ, she must produce the members of that head, that is, all true Christians. A mother does not conceive a head without members , nor members without a head. If anyone wishes to become a member of Jesus Christ, and consequently be filled with grace and truth, he must be formed in Mary through the grace of Jesus Christ, which she possesses with a fullness enabling her to communicate it abundantly to true members of Jesus Christ, her true children.

QUESTION ***REQUIRED***

Christ goes so far to share even his Mother with us so that she might be our Mother as well. What does it mean for you to have Mary as your Mother?

SACRED ART: "The Visitation" by Raphael and Giulio Romano or Giovanni Francesco Penni

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-visitation/c02d195f-fdc4-4c61-bedf-e19216dd7335

(Either leave the picture as it is, or you may left-click on the minus sign once or twice in order to get a farther view)

PRAYER: Jesus Living in Mary ***REQUIRED***

O Jesus living in Mary,

Come and live in your servant,

In the Spirit of your holiness,

In the fullness of your gifts,

In the perfection of your ways,

In the truth of your virtues,

In the communion of your mysteries.

Subdue within me

The power of flesh and demon

By your Holy Spirit,

For the glory of God the father.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "Madonna of the Magnificat" by Sandro Botticelli

https://www.wikiart.org/en/sandro-botticelli/madonna-of-the-magnificat-1481

(Left-click twice on the picture to get a closer view)

PRAYER: St. Louis de Montfort’s Rosary Prayer ***REQUIRED***

Hail Mary,

Beloved Daughter of the Eternal Father,

Admirable Mother of the Son,

Faithful Spouse of the Holy Spirit,

August Temple of the most Holy Trinity,

Hail, Sovereign Princess,

To whom all owe subjection

In Heaven and on earth!

Hail, sure refuge of sinners,

Our Lady of Mercy,

Who has never refused any request.

All sinful though I am,

I cast myself at your feet

And beseech you to obtain from Jesus,

Your Beloved Son,

Contrition and pardon for all my sins,

As well as the gift of divine wisdom.

I consecrate myself entirely to you

With all that I have.

I choose you today

For my Mother and Mistress.

Treat me, then, as the least of your children,

And the most obedient of your servants.

Listen, my princess,

Listen to the sighs of a heart

That desires to love and serve you faithfully.

Let it never be said

That of all those who have had recourse to you,

I was the first to be abandoned.

O my hope, O my life,

O my faithful and Immaculate Virgin Mary,

Defend me, nourish me,

Hear me, teach me, and save me.

Amen.

PRAYER: Five Decades of the Holy Rosary ***OPTIONAL***

TOTAL CONSECRATION: DAY 21 / September 1, 2023 by Joe Castorino

SACRED ART: "The Sistine Madonna" by Raphael

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sistine_Madonna#/media/File:RAFAEL_-_Madonna_Sixtina_(Gem%C3%A4ldegalerie_Alter_Meister,_Dresden,_1513-14._%C3%93leo_sobre_lienzo,_265_x_196_cm).jpg

(Left-click twice on the picture to see the painting at closer range)

PRAYER: Litany of Loreto ***OPTIONAL***

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

God our Father in heaven, have mercy on us.

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

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.

Holy Mother of God, pray for us.

Most honored of virgins, pray for us.

Mother of Christ, pray for us.

Mother of the Church, pray for us.

Mother of divine grace, pray for us.

Mother most pure, pray for us.

Mother of chaste love, pray for us.

Mother and virgin, pray for us.

Sinless mother, pray for us.

Dearest of mothers, pray for us.

Model of motherhood, 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 wise, pray for us.

Virgin rightly praised, pray for us.

Virgin rightly renowned, pray for us.

Virgin most powerful, pray for us.

Virgin gentle in mercy, pray for us.

Faithful Virgin, pray for us.

Mirror of justice, pray for us.

Throne of wisdom, pray for us.

Cause of our joy, pray for us.

Shrine of the Spirit, pray for us.

Glory of Israel, pray for us.

Vessel of selfless 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.

Comfort of the troubled, pray for us.

Help of Christians, pray for us.

Queen of angels, pray for us.

Queen of patriarchs and prophets, pray for us.

Queen of apostles and martyrs, pray for us.

Queen of confessors and 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 rosary, pray for us.

Queen of families, pray for us.

Queen of peace, pray for us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Pray for us, Holy Mother of God, that we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.

Eternal God,

Let your people enjoy constant health in mind and body.

Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary,

Free us from the sorrows of this life,

And lead us to happiness in the life to come.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "The Baptism of Christ" by Antoine Coypel

(Left-click the white slider bar in the mini picture, then drag the white slider bar left or right to find your preferred size — you might have to play with it because it’s a little tricky)

PRAYER: Invocation of the Holy Spirit ***REQUIRED***

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful,

And enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Lord, send forth your Spirit,

And you will renew the face of the earth.

O God,

Who instructs the hearts of your faithful

With the light of your Holy Spirit,

Make us responsive to his inspirations

So that we may be truly wise and

Ever rejoice in his consolations,

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "Le Grand Saint Michel" by Raphael

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Michael_Vanquishing_Satan#/media/File:Le_Grand_Saint_Michel,_by_Raffaello_Sanzio,_from_C2RMF_retouched.jpg

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 3: 14-15 ***REQUIRED***

Then the LORD God said to the snake: Because you have done this, cursed are you among all the animals, tame or wild; On your belly you shall crawl, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; They will strike at your head, while you strike at their heel.

SACRED ART: "Founder Statue of St. Louis de Montfort" by Giacomo Parsini

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_de_Montfort#/media/File:2016_-_Statues_in_Saint_Peter%27s_Basilica_06.jpg

(Left-click once or twice on the picture to get a closer view)

REFLECTION BY ST. LOUIS DE MONTFORT: True Devotion to Mary (#52) ***REQUIRED***

God has established only one enmity — but it is an irreconcilable one which will last and even go on increasing to the end of time. That enmity is between Mary, his worthy Mother, and the devil, between the children and the servants of the Blessed Virgin and the children and followers of Lucifer. The most fearful enemy that God has set up against the devil is Mary, his holy Mother. From the time of the earthly paradise, although she existed then only in his mind, he gave her such a hatred for his accursed enemy , such ingenuity in exposing the wickedness of the ancient serpent and such power to defeat, overthrow and crush this proud rebel, that Satan fears her not only more than angels or men but in a certain sense more than God himself. This does not mean that the anger, hatred and power of God are not infinitely greater than the Blessed Virgin’s, since her attributes are limited. It simply means that Satan, being proud, suffers infinitely more in being vanquished and punished by a lowly and humble servant of God, for her humility humiliates him more than the power of God.

QUESTION ***REQUIRED***

What do you find to be the most difficult temptation to struggle against? What is your most persistent temptation?

RESOLUTION ***REQUIRED***

In your prayer tonight, place your struggle against this temptation into the hands of the Blessed Virgin and ask her to help in overcoming this inclination to sin. Continue to pray in this manner each night.

SACRED ART: "The Visitation" by Raphael and Giulio Romano or Giovanni Francesco Penni

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-visitation/c02d195f-fdc4-4c61-bedf-e19216dd7335

(Either leave the picture as it is, or you may left-click on the minus sign once or twice in order to get a farther view)

PRAYER: Jesus Living in Mary ***REQUIRED***

O Jesus living in Mary,

Come and live in your servant,

In the Spirit of your holiness,

In the fullness of your gifts,

In the perfection of your ways,

In the truth of your virtues,

In the communion of your mysteries.

Subdue within me

The power of flesh and demon

By your Holy Spirit,

For the glory of God the father.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "The Annunciation" by Giovanni Lanfranco

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Annunciation_(Giovanni_Lanfranco,_San_Carlo_ai_Catinari)#/media/File:Giovanni_Lanfranco_-_The_Annunciation_-_WGA12446.jpg

(Left-click once or twice on the picture to get a closer view)

PRAYER: St. Louis de Montfort’s Rosary Prayer ***REQUIRED***

Hail Mary,

Beloved Daughter of the Eternal Father,

Admirable Mother of the Son,

Faithful Spouse of the Holy Spirit,

August Temple of the most Holy Trinity,

Hail, Sovereign Princess,

To whom all owe subjection

In Heaven and on earth!

Hail, sure refuge of sinners,

Our Lady of Mercy,

Who has never refused any request.

All sinful though I am,

I cast myself at your feet

And beseech you to obtain from Jesus,

Your Beloved Son,

Contrition and pardon for all my sins,

As well as the gift of divine wisdom.

I consecrate myself entirely to you

With all that I have.

I choose you today

For my Mother and Mistress.

Treat me, then, as the least of your children,

And the most obedient of your servants.

Listen, my princess,

Listen to the sighs of a heart

That desires to love and serve you faithfully.

Let it never be said

That of all those who have had recourse to you,

I was the first to be abandoned.

O my hope, O my life,

O my faithful and Immaculate Virgin Mary,

Defend me, nourish me,

Hear me, teach me, and save me.

Amen.

PRAYER: Five Decades of the Holy Rosary ***OPTIONAL***

TOTAL CONSECRATION: DAY 20 / September 1, 2023 by Joe Castorino

SACRED ART: "The Sistine Madonna" by Raphael

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sistine_Madonna#/media/File:RAFAEL_-_Madonna_Sixtina_(Gem%C3%A4ldegalerie_Alter_Meister,_Dresden,_1513-14._%C3%93leo_sobre_lienzo,_265_x_196_cm).jpg

(Left-click twice on the picture to see the painting at closer range)

PRAYER: Litany of Loreto ***REQUIRED***

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

God our Father in heaven, have mercy on us.

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

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.

Holy Mother of God, pray for us.

Most honored of virgins, pray for us.

Mother of Christ, pray for us.

Mother of the Church, pray for us.

Mother of divine grace, pray for us.

Mother most pure, pray for us.

Mother of chaste love, pray for us.

Mother and virgin, pray for us.

Sinless mother, pray for us.

Dearest of mothers, pray for us.

Model of motherhood, 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 wise, pray for us.

Virgin rightly praised, pray for us.

Virgin rightly renowned, pray for us.

Virgin most powerful, pray for us.

Virgin gentle in mercy, pray for us.

Faithful Virgin, pray for us.

Mirror of justice, pray for us.

Throne of wisdom, pray for us.

Cause of our joy, pray for us.

Shrine of the Spirit, pray for us.

Glory of Israel, pray for us.

Vessel of selfless 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.

Comfort of the troubled, pray for us.

Help of Christians, pray for us.

Queen of angels, pray for us.

Queen of patriarchs and prophets, pray for us.

Queen of apostles and martyrs, pray for us.

Queen of confessors and 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 rosary, pray for us.

Queen of families, pray for us.

Queen of peace, pray for us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Pray for us, Holy Mother of God, that we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.

Eternal God,

Let your people enjoy constant health in mind and body.

Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary,

Free us from the sorrows of this life,

And lead us to happiness in the life to come.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "The Baptism of Christ" by Antoine Coypel

(Left-click the white slider bar in the mini picture, then drag the white slider bar left or right to find your preferred size — you might have to play with it because it’s a little tricky)

PRAYER: Invocation of the Holy Spirit ***REQUIRED***

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful,

And enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Lord, send forth your Spirit,

And you will renew the face of the earth.

O God,

Who instructs the hearts of your faithful

With the light of your Holy Spirit,

Make us responsive to his inspirations

So that we may be truly wise and

Ever rejoice in his consolations,

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "Christ with Thorns" by Carl Bloch

https://www.wikiart.org/en/carl-bloch/christ-with-thorns

(For optimal viewing, click twice on the painting)

SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 1: 4-8 ***REQUIRED***

I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, that in him you were enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge, as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you, so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus [Christ].

SACRED ART: "Founder Statue of St. Louis de Montfort" by Giacomo Parsini

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_de_Montfort#/media/File:2016_-_Statues_in_Saint_Peter%27s_Basilica_06.jpg

(Left-click once or twice on the picture to get a closer view)

REFLECTION BY ST. LOUIS DE MONTFORT: True Devotion to Mary (#44) ***REQUIRED***

Mary alone found grace before God without the help of any other creature. All those who have since found grace before God have found it only through her. She was full of grace when she was greeted by the Archangel Gabriel and was filled with grace to overflowing by the Holy Spirit when he so mysteriously overshadowed her. From day to day, from moment to moment, she increased so much this two-fold plenitude that she attained an immense and inconceivable degree of grace. So much so that the Almighty made her the sole custodian of his treasures and the sole dispenser of his graces. She can ennoble, exalt and enrich all she chooses. She can lead them along the narrow path to heaven and guide them through the narrow gate of life. She can give a royal throne, scepter and crown to whom she wishes. Jesus is always and everywhere the fruit and Son of Mary and Mary is everywhere the genuine tree that bears the Fruit of life, the true Mother who bears that Son.

QUESTION ***REQUIRED***

In your life, where do you experience the greatest need for the grace of God?

RESOLUTION ***REQUIRED***

In your prayer today, place this aspect of your life in the hands of Mary, and ask her to obtain from her Son the grace that you need. Continue to pray in this way each day.

SACRED ART: "The Visitation" by Raphael and Giulio Romano or Giovanni Francesco Penni

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-visitation/c02d195f-fdc4-4c61-bedf-e19216dd7335

(Either leave the picture as it is, or you may left-click on the minus sign once or twice in order to get a farther view)

PRAYER: Jesus Living in Mary ***REQUIRED***

O Jesus living in Mary,

Come and live in your servant,

In the Spirit of your holiness,

In the fullness of your gifts,

In the perfection of your ways,

In the truth of your virtues,

In the communion of your mysteries.

Subdue within me

The power of flesh and demon

By your Holy Spirit,

For the glory of God the father.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "The Annunciation" by Giovanni Lanfranco

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Annunciation_(Giovanni_Lanfranco,_San_Carlo_ai_Catinari)#/media/File:Giovanni_Lanfranco_-_The_Annunciation_-_WGA12446.jpg

(Left-click once or twice on the picture to get a closer view)

PRAYER: St. Louis de Montfort’s Rosary Prayer ***REQUIRED***

Hail Mary,

Beloved Daughter of the Eternal Father,

Admirable Mother of the Son,

Faithful Spouse of the Holy Spirit,

August Temple of the most Holy Trinity,

Hail, Sovereign Princess,

To whom all owe subjection

In Heaven and on earth!

Hail, sure refuge of sinners,

Our Lady of Mercy,

Who has never refused any request.

All sinful though I am,

I cast myself at your feet

And beseech you to obtain from Jesus,

Your Beloved Son,

Contrition and pardon for all my sins,

As well as the gift of divine wisdom.

I consecrate myself entirely to you

With all that I have.

I choose you today

For my Mother and Mistress.

Treat me, then, as the least of your children,

And the most obedient of your servants.

Listen, my princess,

Listen to the sighs of a heart

That desires to love and serve you faithfully.

Let it never be said

That of all those who have had recourse to you,

I was the first to be abandoned.

O my hope, O my life,

O my faithful and Immaculate Virgin Mary,

Defend me, nourish me,

Hear me, teach me, and save me.

Amen.

PRAYER: Five Decades of the Holy Rosary ***OPTIONAL***

TOTAL CONSECRATION: DAY 19 / September 1, 2023 by Joe Castorino

SACRED ART: "Disputation of the Sacrament" by Raphael

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disputation_of_the_Holy_Sacrament#/media/File:Disputa_del_Sacramento_(Rafael).jpg

(Left-click once or twice on the picture to get a closer view)

PRAYER: Litany of the Holy Saints ***OPTIONAL***

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.

Saint Michael, pray for us.

Holy angels of God, pray for us.

St. John the Baptist, pray for us.

St. Joseph, pray for us.

St. Peter and St. Paul, pray for us.

St. Andrew, pray for us.

St. John, pray for us.

St. Mary Magdalene, pray for us.

St. Stephen, pray for us.

St. Ignatius of Antioch, pray for us.

St. Lawrence, pray for us.

St. Perpetua and St. Felicity, pray for us.

St. Agnes, pray for us.

St. Gregory, pray for us.

St. Augustine, pray for us.

St. Athanasius, pray for us.

St. Basil, pray for us.

St. Martin, pray for us.

St. Benedict, pray for us.

St. Francis and St. Dominic, pray for us.

St. Francis Xavier, pray for us.

St. John Vianney, pray for us.

St. Catherine, pray for us.

St. Teresa of Jesus, pray for us.

All holy men and women, pray for us.

Lord, be merciful. Lord, deliver us, we pray.

From all evil. Lord, deliver us, we pray.

From every sin. Lord, deliver us, we pray.

From everlasting death. Lord, deliver us, we pray.

By your coming as man. Lord, deliver us, we pray.

By your death and rising to new life. Lord, deliver us, we pray.

By your gift of the Holy Spirit. Lord, deliver us, we pray.

Be merciful to us sinners. Lord, we ask you, hear our prayer.

Guide and protect your holy Church. Lord, we ask you, hear our prayer.

Keep the pope and all the clergy in faithful service to your Church. Lord, we ask you, hear our prayer.

Bring all peoples together in trust and peace. Lord, we ask you, hear our prayer.

Strengthen us in your service. Lord, we ask you, hear our prayer.

Jesus, Son of the living God. Lord, we ask you, hear our prayer.

Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.

Let us pray.

God of our ancestors who set their hearts on you,

Of those who fell asleep in peace,

And of those who won the martyrs violent crown:

We are surrounded by these witnesses

As by clouds of fragrant incense.

In this age we would be counted

In this communion of all the saints;

Keep us always in their good and blessed company.

In their midst we make every prayer

Through Christ who is our Lord forever and ever.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "The Baptism of Christ" by Antoine Coypel

(Left-click the white slider bar in the mini picture, then drag the white slider bar left or right to find your preferred size — you might have to play with it because it’s a little tricky)

PRAYER: Invocation of the Holy Spirit ***REQUIRED***

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful,

And enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Lord, send forth your Spirit,

And you will renew the face of the earth.

O God,

Who instructs the hearts of your faithful

With the light of your Holy Spirit,

Make us responsive to his inspirations

So that we may be truly wise and

Ever rejoice in his consolations,

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "Mocking of Christ" by Carl Bloch

https://preview.redd.it/ib4wywhq7jl51.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=af74b34ec6db985a4dc796f21a757d4e2ee71468

SCRIPTURE: Mark 8: 34-37 ***REQUIRED***

He summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? What could one give in exchange for his life?”

SACRED ART: "Founder Statue of St. Louis de Montfort" by Giacomo Parsini

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_de_Montfort#/media/File:2016_-_Statues_in_Saint_Peter%27s_Basilica_06.jpg

(Left-click once or twice on the picture to get a closer view)

REFLECTION BY ST. LOUIS DE MONTFORT: True Devotion to Mary (#81) ***REQUIRED***

In order to empty ourselves of self, we must die daily to ourselves. This involves our renouncing what the powers of the soul and the senses of the body incline us to do. We must see as if we did not see, hear as if we did not hear and use the things of the world as if we did not use them. This is what St. Paul calls dying daily. Unless the grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain and does not bear any good fruit. If we do not die to self and if our holiest devotions do not lead us to this necessary and fruitful death, we shall not bear fruit of any worth and our devotions will cease to be profitable. All our good works will be tainted by self-love and self-will so that our greatest sacrifices and our best actions will be unacceptable to God. Consequently when we come to die we shall find ourselves devoid of virtue and merit and discover that we do not possess even one spark of that pure love which God shares only with those who have died to themselves and whose life is hidden with Jesus Christ in him.

QUESTION ***REQUIRED***

To die to oneself is not simply to renounce sin. It is also to recognize that even our very best inclinations and capacities need to be purified. This death is not the destruction of ourselves, but the transformation of our fragility and limitation into the strength and power of God. This change is not possible without the Cross. Where do you encounter the Cross in your life? Do you embrace and carry this Cross with a faithful heart or do you seek out opportunities to set it aside?

SACRED ART: "The Visitation" by Raphael and Giulio Romano or Giovanni Francesco Penni

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-visitation/c02d195f-fdc4-4c61-bedf-e19216dd7335

(Either leave the picture as it is, or you may left-click on the minus sign once or twice in order to get a farther view)

PRAYER: Jesus Living in Mary ***REQUIRED***

O Jesus living in Mary,

Come and live in your servant,

In the Spirit of your holiness,

In the fullness of your gifts,

In the perfection of your ways,

In the truth of your virtues,

In the communion of your mysteries.

Subdue within me

The power of flesh and demon

By your Holy Spirit,

For the glory of God the father.

Amen.

SACRED ART: "The Annunciation" by Giovanni Lanfranco

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Annunciation_(Giovanni_Lanfranco,_San_Carlo_ai_Catinari)#/media/File:Giovanni_Lanfranco_-_The_Annunciation_-_WGA12446.jpg

(Left-click once or twice on the picture to get a closer view)

PRAYER: Memorare, O Piissima Virgo Maria ***REQUIRED***

Remember,

O most gracious Virgin Mary,

That never was it known

That anyone who fled to thy protection,

Implored thy help,

Or sought thine intercession

Was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence,

I fly unto 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.

SACRED ART: "The Holy Family with St. Elizabeth and the Infant St. John the Baptist" by Pompeo Batoni

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/43/Hermitagebatoniholyfamily.jpg

(Either leave the picture as it is, or you may left-click once on the picture to get a closer view)

PRAYER: Ave Maris Stella ***REQUIRED***

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 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.

TOTAL CONSECRATION: DAY 18 / September 1, 2023 by Joe Castorino