Reclaiming Our Children: A Blog About Healing After Abortion

Yesterday, I began the renewal of my consecration to Jesus through Mary, via True Devotion, by St. Louis de Montfort.

It has been 26 years since I first consecrated myself to Jesus through Mary in 1988, and each year since then, I have spent the thirty three days prior to my anniversary renewing my consecration.

People of other faiths often have trouble with the concept of a consecration to Jesus through Mary. They somehow feel as though it takes away from Him and we are worshiping her, but that is so far from the truth.

I try throughout the year, to live this devotion daily in what I do, in the way I receive Jesus in the Eucharist, and in my daily prayers and actions throughout the day. However, each year as I renew, I come to find how I have strayed, even though I am not aware of the ways I have until I begin once again to pull myself back to her through the thirty-three day preparation. It is almost as if she gives me free reign and lets me go out into the world. I think I am standing right beside her, but come to the realization that I have travelled a little too far as my renewal pulls me back under her mantle.

Like any mother, Mary protects me from myself, she shields me and guides me in my journey to her Son. She makes certain I stay on the path, and when I have offended Him, she hides my tarnished soul from His sight so that when I receive Him in the Eucharist it is as it should be, because she who is without sin, receives Him in me.

I have no doubt that it is Mary who guided my work with those suffering from a past abortion, both in the development of the "Entering Canaan" ministry and at Lumina, with me every step of the way. It is also she who encourages me to step out in faith assuring me to “be not afraid," when God’s will seems too difficult for me, knowing that she will obtain the graces I need to carry it out.

I love this time of renewal, even though more often than not it can be a challenging time. It is a reminder that I am under her protection as I cling to her leg in my life, under her mantle, knowing no matter what, she will not allow me to go off of the path to her Son if I stay close to her.

No, Mary is not worshipped; she is like any mother, leading us to eternal life because she loves us, directing us always to her Son the focus of all she does. Why wander through life alone when you can have such an advocate?

Thank you God for the gift of this beautiful Mother of Mercy.

I am all Yours and all that I have belongs to You oh most loving Jesus through Mary Your most Holy Mother!