true devotion group.    


This is a group for Catholics in Catholic Leamington and surrounding parishes who meet a few times a year for support and growth in their understanding of  “The True Devotion”.
 
This devotion is based on the teachings of St Louis Marie de Montfort a French priest (1673 – 1716) who was canonised in 1947.
 
His books the True Devotion and the Secret of Mary form the basis of the devotion.
 
The devotion is considered to be a perfect renewal of a person’s baptismal promises and involves giving oneself totally to Jesus through Mary. St Pope John Paul II practised this devotion since his youth. 
 
There are many reasons why this devotion is recommended. It involves both internal spirituality and practical expression of faith, hope and love.
 
For more information:-
 
See websites:-   queenofallhearts.com
For literature:-   montfortpublications.com
 
Local contact:- Peter Dimambro 01926 428399
Email: [email protected]
 
 
                     THE TRUE DEVOTION
 
 This involves giving ourselves totally to Jesus through Mary.
 
The True Devotion goes back to St. Louis Marie de Montfort, a French priest (1673-1716, canonised in 1947). It is hoped that he will be made a Doctor of the Church. St. Louis says that the True Devotion is a perfect renewal of our baptismal promises and calls it a secret.
 
The Catholic Church regards the True Devotion as a sound, safe, authentic and traditional devotion (Pope Pius XII). 
 
                                        Reasons why this devotion is recommended* 
1 By it we give ourselves completely to God. Whatever we do, it will always be done for Jesus and Mary (whether we think of it or not).  
2 It helps us to imitate Jesus. By approaching Jesus through Mary, this devotion is an expression of great humility.  
3 It obtains many blessings from Our Lady. This is because Our Lady never allows herself to be surpassed in love and generosity. She shares her virtues with us and enriches our good works as  she presents them to Jesus.  
4 It is an excellent means of giving glory to God.
5 It ensures that the value of all our good works is being used for the greater glory of God.
6 It leads to union with Our Lord. St. Louis calls it a smooth, short and perfect way to reach Our Lord and be united to Him.
7 It gives great freedom of spirit. It is a wonderful means of perseverance and is of great benefit to our neighbour.
8 It was practised by St. Pope John Paul II. (during his youth he used to carry the Secret of Mary booklet in his pocket)
                                              The wonderful effects of this devotion* 
1 Knowledge of our unworthiness, which results in Our Lady sharing her humility with us.  
2 A share in Our Lady’s faith, which assists in our faith becoming firm, steadfast, active and courageous.
3 The gift of pure love, which leads us to wanting to please God, our loving Father, at all times.
4 Great confidence in God and in Mary, because we approach Jesus through Mary.  
5 Communication of the spirit of Mary, which helps us to become models of Jesus and give glory to Him.
5 We echo her words: “My soul glorifies the Lord.”  
* Taken from St. Louis’ book True Devotion
 
Questions 
What do I do if I feel drawn to this devotion or would simply like to find out more?
 
Read the books True Devotion and The Secret of Mary at least twice in order to appreciate what this devotion means. Remember that the Holy Spirit can give you the gifts of wisdom and understanding necessary to accept it. This reading should not be rushed.
 
If I decide I want to give myself entirely to Jesus through Mary what should I do?
 
St. Louis recommends that you choose a particular day. Eg. the feast of the Immaculate Conception or the Annunciation, to make this giving of yourself (consecration) and then spend a period of preparation of just over a month as detailed in the Preparation book and outlined in the Catechism on True Devotion. You should go to Confession on or shortly before the chosen day.
 
What happens on my day of Consecration?
 
 You recite the words (True Devotion, P145) after Mass, after paying some tribute of your love of Jesus and Mary (eg. a candle). In view of your commitment, please write out the words yourself (or print out a copy if difficult), sign and date it. 
See website:  queenofallhearts.com  to enrol, saying that you have made your consecration in the manner requested by St. Louis de Montfort. 
 
What am I then required to do?
 
a) Every morning you should renew simply your consecration using any little prayer, eg. “I am all yours and all that I have is yours, O most loving Jesus through Mary, your holy mother.”

  1. Aim to do everything for Jesus 
    through Mary, 
    with Mary,
    in Mary, and 
    for Mary. 
    It is recommended that you view the talks on living the consecration on website:-  queenofallhearts.com

    Use the Holy Spirit to help you to be fervent and to realise how dependent you are on Mary’s help.

  2. If possible say the Little Crown of the Blessed Virgin every day.

  3. Other recommended prayers are the Rosary, Angelus and Magnificat (as your circumstances of life allow).

  4. Wear a chain.

  5. Renew your consecration each year on the same date after some form of preparation.
 
     Is there a local Support Group?
 
    There is a group in St Peter’s Parish, Leamington Spa which meets at various times though the year near significant feast days of Our Lady. You are welcome to attend if you are also seeking whether to consecrate yourself to Jesus and Mary (see local contact details). 
   
     St Peter Apostle Website
          catholicleamington.org.uk
         See Parish Groups/True Devotion for a summary.
 
Other matters to note 
  1. Essential reading:- True Devotion and Secret of Mary                   
     Available to view on website http://www.montfort.org.uk  > resources

  2. Please view the website:-  queenofallhearts.com
    to find out about the True Devotion, 
    view the many talks especially on living the consecration, 
    enrol yourself after making the consecration, and
    discover the indulgences available to you.
 
Other recommended books/bookletsPreparation for Consecration
Catechism on True Devotion to Mary
Love of Eternal Wisdom (Jesus)
Secret of the Rosary
Friends of the Cross
Wisdom’s Fool
Little Crown leaflet
 
Local contact:Peter Dimambro
01926 428399  Email [email protected]
He will be happy to help you with anything you may wish to know about the True Devotion. He holds a small stock of the above. 
April 2024