Conssecrations

What is the Consecration to Our Blessed Mother Mary?

At the Annunciation, the angel Gabriel declared that Mary would conceive and bear a son, and that the Holy Spirit would come upon her (see Luke 1:31-35). In Mary's words, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38), Mary gave permission to the Holy Spirit to conceive Christ in her womb. At that moment, Mary said "Yes."

Consecration to Mary is our "yes"; it essentially means giving her permission to carry out her maternal work in us, which is to transform us into other Christs. Therefore, in consecrating ourselves to Mary, each of us is saying to her:

"Mary, I want to be holy. I know that you also desire me to be holy and that your divine mission is to transform me into a saint. So today, at this moment, I give you total permission to carry out your work in me, together with your Spouse, the Holy Spirit."

As soon as Mary hears this decision, she flies to us and begins a masterpiece of grace in our souls. She will continue this work as long as our "yes" does not turn into a "no."

One of the greatest aspects of consecration to Mary is her maternal tenderness. She turns the lessons of the Cross into something sweet and pours out her maternal love and comfort over all our wounds. Turning to her and giving her permission to carry out her work is truly "the safest, easiest, shortest, and most perfect way" to holiness.

Consecration to Our Lady of Guadalupe

The consecration through the Federation of Associations of Guadalupe follows the guidance of the personal retreat "33 Days to a Glorious Dawn," following the advice of Saint Louis de Montfort to schedule the 33 days of preparation to conclude on the vigil of a Marian feast day.

As promoters of devotion to the Most Holy Virgin Mary under the title of Guadalupe, we choose to begin our retreat on November 9th and conclude with the consecration ceremony on the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is December 12th each year.

Some may think, "But I have already been consecrated to Our Lady of Guadalupe." The consecration through the "Federation of Associations of Our Lady of Guadalupe" offers specific benefits:

1. You will participate in the consecration ceremony at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit, where alongside others being consecrated that year, you will recite the consecration oath guided by the Bishop.

2. You will receive the consecration medal, symbolized by a blue braided cord, featuring on one side the Holy Trinity and on the other Our Lady of Guadalupe. This original design has been used since the foundation of the Archconfraternity. (There are only as many medals as there are consecrated individuals.)

3. The medal will be bestowed upon you by the Bishop or one of the co-celebrating priests from associated parishes.

4. The day of consecration is also your official acceptance as a member of the Universal Archconfraternity of Saint Mary of Guadalupe. With this:

a) Your name will be registered on the list of consecrated individuals at the Basilica of Guadalupe (you will also receive an official certificate).

b) Masses at the Basilica of Guadalupe on the 12th of each month are dedicated to the consecrated, and your name will be mentioned.

c) You will be eligible to receive both partial and plenary indulgences whenever you fulfill your duties as a Guadalupan or member of the Federation.

What joy it is to be consecrated to Jesus through Mary in her advocation of Guadalupe!