True Devotion to Mary

TRUE DEVOTION TO MARY

It is desirable that the practice of the legionary devotion to Mary should be rounded off and given the distinctive character which has been taught by St. Louis-Marie de Montfort under the titles of “The True Devotion” or the “Slavery of Mary”, and which is enshrined in his two books, “True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin” and the “Secret of Mary.” (Legion Handbook, Chap. 6. 5)

“Furthermore, Marian spirituality, like its corresponding devotion, finds a very rich source in the historical experience of individuals and of the various Christian communities present among the different peoples and nations of the world. In this regard, I would like to recall, among the many witnesses and teachers of this spirituality, the figure of St Louis Marie de Montfort, who proposes consecration to Christ through the hands of Mary, as an effective means for Christians to live faithfully their baptismal commitments. I am pleased to note that in our time too new manifestations of this spirituality and devotion are not lacking.” (Pope John Paul 11: Redemptoris Mater, 48)

It is intriguing that the Legion should start immediately after what I might call a ‘Patrician discussion’ on the subject of the True Devotion, as if the minds of the future members had to be fully acclimatised to Mary before they were fit for membership; before they could become the Legion of Mary.” (Frank Duff: Virgo Praedicanda, 21)

“The fact is that one cannot emphasise too much the value of the True Devotion as a supplement to the Handbook and entire Legion system. St Louis Marie’s words of fire uplift Our Lady from the level of pure doctrine and give her substance as a person, our Mother with intimate charge of our lives, utterly indispensable to us, our Queen, our leader, the very thought of whom inspires courage and stimulates one to undertake the impossible.” (Frank Duff: Victory through Mary. 39)

The following books on the True Devotion to Mary are available from Concilium: Treatise on the True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin. (St. Louis Marie de Montfort. The Secret of Mary. (St. Louis Marie de Montfort) The De Montfort Way. (Frank Duff) True Devotion to Mary. (Rev. Michael Kennedy, CC)