Book Review: A wonderful guide to Marian Consecration

I must confess “33 Days to Morning Glory: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat In Preparation for Marian Consecration” by Father Michael E. Gaitley, M.I.C., was quite illuminating. This book’s design and format are easy to read. The author’s conversational style accentuates an openness and optimism about his personal devotion such as when he stresses, “the more we unite ourselves to Mary the more she can bring us into the deepest possible intimacy with Jesus.” 
 
Not meant to be “covered” like browsed magazine pages or rapidly scrolling text lines along the base of computer or phone screens, the words, thoughts and images presented here are to be studied, reflected upon and well, yes, pondered. Having framed his open discussion into sections, each lesson begins with a reminder about the previous day’s materials. The introduction provides information about what Marian Consecration entails, but the author also discusses how simply this goal may be reached.
 
References and links to certain biblical scriptures, concise summaries and reflection opportunities are provided, before the final day for assimilative contemplation and the day of consecration. Using a clear tone and a straightforward, step-by-step approach to assist greater understanding, Gaitley also adds helpful definitions and simple reminders of basic Catholic terms and phrases, historical facts, dates and highlights about the figures discussed.
 
References to specific scriptures provide insight into how the Holy Spirit worked through mere humans to benefit everyone, and details on how to pray the Rosary and suggestions regarding other prayers for daily devotionals were included in appendixes. This book includes detailed footnotes and even an ending “Cheat Sheet.”
 
Concluding information explains how this personal venture may be turned into a group experience. As an historian, I enjoy reading historical accounts detailing certain “traits of mere humanity” for posterity. Just as I respect the passion reflected in Jesus’ emotional overturning  of merchants’ tables in his father’s house, I laughed aloud when reading the passage describing Saint Louis de Montfort’s having once “knocked out a couple of drunks who wouldn’t stop heckling him while he preached.”
 
Three theme words summarizing de Montfort’s influence were: passion, baptism and gift. The discussion moves forward through time to Saint Maximilian Kolbe whose three points of reference were: mystery, militia and love.
 
While Gaitley stated Satan does foster complacency and mediocrity, he stressed Saint Maximilian’s teachings provide the simple formula to Sainthood: “W + w = S” (God’s Will united with our wills equals Sanctity). Kolbe’s question referring to what would be better than “to raise up a whole army of fighting knights and soldiers who give themselves to be instruments in the grace-filled hands of the Immaculata.”
 
By the time readers meet Saint Teresa of Calcutta in “Week Three,” a clearer image of her perspective toward the terms: thirst, heart and covenant is revealed. She explains how a daily examination of our consciences may “lead to praise and thanks, and praise and thanks sets us on fire with divine love.”
 
“Week Four,” which focuses on the thoughts and teachings of Saint John Paul II, culminates in an explanation regarding Marian Entrustment. During the final week, readers review and synthesize this new knowledge before we can consider personal consecration.
 
I found the exercise quite enjoyable and thought-provoking. For me personally, I believe I have discovered my mother’s “secret weapon” to grace, humility, patience and, most importantly, love. I highly recommend this book, and then, pass it forward to others who you love. It is a wonderful guide to Marian Consecration, which has the potential to lead to quality self-discovery, awareness and sanctity.
 
Molly McLeod Mirll is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.