Day 29
Will you give yourself entirely to Jesus as a gift from Mary?
In today’s reflection, Fr. Gaitley returns us to the bold and passionate spirituality of St. Louis de Montfort, the first of the four great Marian saints featured in the retreat. His message is clear: if we want to grow in holiness, we must give ourselves completely to Mary so she can bring us entirely to Jesus.
De Montfort saw Marian consecration as a profound renewal of our baptismal vows. At baptism, we rejected Satan and gave our lives to Christ. But over time, we often forget that promise. Consecration is our chance to renew it — intentionally and wholeheartedly — by placing everything in Mary’s hands and letting her guide us back to Jesus.
Fr. Gaitley emphasizes de Montfort’s conviction that the Holy Spirit works powerfully through Mary to form “other Christs.” Just as the Spirit formed Jesus in her womb, He continues to form Christ in us through her. But for this to happen, we must give her permission — we must allow Mary to take charge of our hearts, our choices, our very lives.
This isn’t passive. It’s an active, joyful surrender. We give ourselves to Christ — through Mary — as a gift. And in doing so, we let her transform our ordinary lives into extraordinary instruments of grace.
Today, the invitation is bold: will you give yourself entirely to Jesus as a gift from Mary? Let her lead. Let her form you. Let her bring you to the heart of your baptismal calling.
