The Catholic faith has an often overlooked “shortcut” to a deeper relationship with Christ. That shortcut is through His Mother, given to us as our own mother at the foot of the cross.
“The shortest path to Jesus is through Mary because of our humanness and imperfection,” Fr. Butler says. “We strive to get to Jesus, but we tend to get off track. Not only does Mary bring us to Jesus, but she brings us to the depths of His heart.”
Marian Consecration has a rich history in the Church and St. Maximilian Kolbe was a great advocate of Marian devotion. St. Maximilian Kolbe responded to the heresies of his time by encouraging Catholics to consecrate themselves to Mary since Scripture assures us that she will crush the head of the serpent.
Years ago, Fr. Butler first made a consecration to Mary and the fruit of it was far beyond his expectations.
“It absolutely changed my life,” Fr. Butler says. “I thought I had a pretty decent relationship with Jesus, but almost immediately after I made my consecration, it unlocked for me a much deeper, more intimate relationship that has never wavered. On my own, I could only get so close to Jesus but with Mary, another level of intimacy was unlocked.”
Mary’s love for her son is perfect and Jesus loves His mother in a special way. Mary’s goal is always to bring us closer to her Son, so any devotion to Mary helps us come closer to Jesus. Our will isn’t strong enough to do this alone or to do it perfectly. Mary’s help can bring us the rest of the way.
“It takes humility and a lot of people don’t like to ask for help,” Fr. Butler says. “When we admit that we need help, that’s when Mary can work with us.”
While there are many helpful books to prepare for a Marian Consecration, our parish will be making Preparation for Total Consecration to the Immaculate According to Saint Maximilian Kolbe available to all parishioners. The book can be used to prepare for a first-time consecration or renewal. Preparation can be done individually and we will have the chance to make the consecration prayer together after the weekend Masses following the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8. All are welcome to pick up a book from the church and begin the 33-day preparation on Nov. 5.
Contact the parish office with any questions at 815-498-2010.