Lourdes2blog_3Ok, spiritual heat. Carmel and I are thinking of joining the Militia of the Immaculata. Basically this involves totally consecrating ourselves to Mary "as a means of spiritual renewal for individuals and society." Although consecration to Mary may sound unusual to non-Catholics and even Catholics, as the Militia webpage notes:

Marian consecration is a formal act of self-giving that does not stop at Mary, but is Christ-directed. It is really consecration to Jesus. The MI’s mission is "To Lead Every Individual With Mary to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus."

The idea of the militia comes from St. Maximilian Kolbe and originated at a conventual Franciscan seminary (interesting since my favorite shrine is run by conventual Franciscans). The organization has been officially designated by the Church as an "international public association," something shared by only two other groups.

So, pray for us as we prepare for consecration. We’re thinking about doing it on December 12th, feast of Our Lady of Guadeloupe. Visit the MI website and you may want to do this as well.

Militia of the Immaculata National Center

Totus Tuus!

Photos by Jonathan Bennett (from Lourdes Shrine, Euclid, OH)