Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Compiled by Theresa Ann Knothe. Approved by Archbishop Raymond L. Burke, October 7, 2003

Who is a Consecrated Marian Catechist?

A Consecrated Marian Catechist is a member of the National Marian Catechist Apostolate who is a firm believer in the Catholic Faith, has completed the required doctrinal and spiritual formation, and has made the Solemn Consecration, with the approbation of the National Director, to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

As Archbishop Raymond L. Burke explains, “The Consecration made to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, signifies our desire to love Christ more, and our dedication to bring Christ to others.”

Why Make the Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Through the Immaculate Heart of Mary?

Union with the Heart of Jesus is found through union with the Heart of Mary.

“While it is to Christ that we give all our being in dedication to the apostolate of catechesis, it is Mary, the Mother of God, who leads and assists us in placing our hearts completely in the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Act of Consecration.

No Heart has ever loved our Lord, as did the Heart of Mary. Therefore, in our desire to love Christ more, we rightly want to unite our hearts to the Immaculate Heart of Mary as her Immaculate Heart is perfectly united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

While it is to Christ that we give all our being in dedication to the apostolate of catechesis, it is Mary, the Mother of God, who leads and assists us in placing our hearts completely in the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Act of Consecration.

No Heart has ever loved our Lord, as did the Heart of Mary. Therefore, in our desire to love Christ more, we rightly want to unite our hearts to the Immaculate Heart of Mary as her Immaculate Heart is perfectly united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

For us as Marian Catechists, the consecration through the Immaculate Heart of Mary is a profound expression of our Marian spirituality, for we take our inspiration from the words of our Blessed Mother to the chief wine steward at the Wedding Feast of Cana: “Do whatever He tells you.” John 2:5

Before the great challenge of teaching the Catholic faith in a totally secularized society, our Blessed Mother knows that we must depend totally upon the grace of Christ, if we are to carry out our mission in Him.

When she sees that our wine is running out, she goes to her Son to seek the help of His grace for us, and then she instructs us to follow Christ, to do what He teaches us. With the help of His grace we can be confident that we will accomplish our mission in a manner far beyond our ever imagining. The best wine will be served last.” Archbishop Raymond L. Burke, Tilma 4/2002

By this Consecration, the Marian Catechist receives the grace which he or she will need to hand on the Catholic Faith and its practice to others.

When should the Consecration be made?

According to the Statutes of the Marian Catechist Apostolate:

• The Consecration is made when the Marian Catechist has completed all the doctrinal and spiritual formation requirements and is observing the spiritual practices on a daily basis.

• The Consecration is made on the day chosen each year by the National Director.

What is my commitment after Consecration?

The commitment of the Consecration is made for one year and is to be renewed annually. This commitment is not binding under penalty of sin. It does not possess the canonical status of a solemn vow.

A Consecrated Marian Catechist commits to:

» leading an exemplary life.

» carrying out all of the Spiritual Practices listed in the Marian Catechist Apostolate Statutes to the best of his or her ability according to his or her state in life.

» deepening his or her understanding of the Catholic Faith, as contained in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Sacred Scripture and Tradition, and as taught by the Church’s Magisterium under the Vicar of Christ.

» an ongoing, individual, sharing of the true Faith with others.

» devoting some time each week working in the apostolate of the Marian Catechists.

» cooperating with other Marian Catechists in disseminating the revealed truths to others, according to the catechetical and pedagogical principles and norms set forth in the General Directory for Catechesis.

» following the directives given by the National Director and his delegates.

Spiritual Practices of the Consecrated Marian Catechist:

1. Mass and Holy Communion daily

2. The Holy Rosary (five decades) daily

3. Morning Offering of the Apostleship of Prayer daily

4. Angelus twice a day

5. Way of the Cross (done in church, if possible) daily

6. Spiritual Reading 15 minutes a day

7. Meditation (may be prayerful reflection on the spiritual reading) 15 minutes a day

8. Examination of Conscience /Act of Contrition each evening before retiring

9. Sacrament of Confession every two weeks

How do I make my Consecration (or Renewal)?

To the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary

• You must request the Consecration in a letter to the National Director at least one month prior to the Consecration date. The letter should describe your present or future work in the Apostolate. Mail the letter to the National Office.

• The Consecration is made in a Solemn Ceremony (Mass), after the homily, on the day chosen by the National Director, with the National Director or someone approved by him.

• The Consecration is made by you and witnessed by the celebrant of the Mass.

• The local coordinator gives out First Consecration certificates & pins. Those approved to make their First Consecration, individually, with their spiritual advisor or pastor, will receive them through the mail.

• Renewals of Consecration are handled in the same manner as First Consecrations, but without distribution of certificates and pins.

Please direct any questions to the National Office.