St. Louis Grignon de Montfort was born in France in the late 17th century.
From an early age, St. Louis showed an avid and devoted love of our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. He was known as a gifted homilist, giving simple yet impactful sermons which conveyed his love of Christ and attitude of service. Furthermore, St. Louis wasn’t all about words; he was a man of action, living as a shameless servant of Christ, emphasizing a need for constant prayer, serving the poor, and living in poverty and simplicity, himself. Additionally, he was known for being joyful in the face of adversity and persecution, exactly the kind of Saint we need to look to at these times.
St. Louis de Montfort is most known for his Marian writing, which have been used by many Catholics and the Church herself in understanding Mary’s role in our lives.
Even now, his Secret of the Rosary and True Devotion to Mary can still be found in print and are read by many Catholics, lay and religious alike.
In his encyclical on the rosary, Rosarium Virginis Mariae, Pope St. John Paul II lauded St. Louis’ explanation and endorsement of Marian consecration and its appropriateness for our ultimate goal of heaven, emphasizing its importance in his own life experience. (His episcopal Motto, “Totus Tuus,” was inspired by the Marian teachings of St. Louis!)
I, myself, (though far from a saint) didn’t appreciate de Montfort’s work until I read about him more in 33 Days to Morning Glory: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat in Preparation for Marian Consecration by Father Michael Gaitley. With help from St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. John Paul II, and St. Theresa of Calcutta, Fr. Gaitley builds upon St. Louis’ formula for total consecration to Jesus through Mary as set forth in True Devotion to Mary. However, the basis of the consecration is purely St. Louis de Montfort, merely set forth in a more user-friendly format.
The consecration to Jesus through Mary has been one of the most instrumental blessings in my life, and I am so thankful for St. Louis’ formula and direction in devotion to her.
Being able to bring myself to Jesus through our Lady has been a great consolation in times of pain and lowness of spirit; I know she’ll never desert me and never allow me to be separated from her son.
