I am incredibly proud and honored that I was able to consecrate myself to Jesus through Mary today! And I owe a deep, deep debt of gratitude to this blogging community who helped to make it possible! It was you, dear blogging friends, who inspired me by sharing your own stories of consecration. It was by your example that I first allowed the call to consecration to resonate within my own heart. Then, when I read "True Devotion to Mary" and felt that I had struggled through it and wondered whether this was something upon which I should really follow through , you overwhelmed me with your encouragement and stories of the profound difference that you felt this consecration had made in your own lives. My entire preparation period was filled with the graces of which you all spoke and I grew more and more excited as the day approached. Until this past week. I believe that God spoke deeply to my heart and reminded me that I had an unconfessed sin that needed to be tended to before I should present myself for consecration. I believe that the devil took this opportunity to begin to speak evil lies to me, telling me that I am not worthy and that Mary and Jesus didn't want me, and who was I to think that consecration would be for me? I wrote a tearful prayer about my struggle and once again, you responded with encouragement, support and love. But most important of all, you prayed for me! We all know that no evil can withstand the power of prayer!
I am blessed with the friendship of Fr. Don Hying, whom I've written about before. He is the Rector of St. Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee. He was able to hear my confession just before the consecration and then he held a conference about St. Louis de Montfort and the consecration. It was beautiful! He, like you wonderful blogging friends, was very encouraging and supportive. Finally, my dear, sweet niece Jenny whom I love with all of my heart, joined me in the consecration. We were able to support and encourage one another as we journeyed to consecration together.
So I am extremely thankful to God, to Fr. Don, to Jenny and to all of you wonderful internet friends who are so good and holy and have brought me closer to God. May God continue to shower you with sanctifying grace and love! You all remain in my prayers!
