St. Louis de Montfort's masterpiece, True Devotion to Mary, stands as one of the most significant and influential spiritual works in Catholic history. Written in the 18th century, a period marked by growing Protestant and anti-Marian sentiment, the book provided a powerful and profound defense of Marian devotion. De Montfort not only clarified and justified these practices but elevated them, arguing that a true and perfect devotion to Mary is, in fact, the surest and most effective path to Jesus Christ. This timeless message has resonated with countless believers, including popes like St. John Paul II, inspiring them to undertake the journey of Marian consecration.

History

St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort was born in France in 1673 and lived until 1716. In life, he was known for his gift of preaching, a missionary zeal, and his love for the poor. He founded two congregations: Daughters of Wisdom and the Company of Mary with another, the Brothers of St. Gabriel, tracing its roots to St. Louis. Today, the saint is best known for his profound devotion to Mary and encouraging all to keep this devotion.

He wrote True Devotion to Mary in 1712 although it was not discovered until 1842. This event was predicted by the saint. He foretold that the devil would attempt to hide and destroy his work although the Holy Spirit would eventually triumph and this work would be spread.

In True Devotion to Mary, the saint often refers to a more critical audiences with whom he was likely well acquainted. These readers are the proud and self-sufficient scholars and theologians who have some basic devotion to Mary but quickly criticize devotional practices. They are concerned that these devotions focus too much on Mary and people should focus on Jesus, the sole Mediator, alone. Throughout the work, the saint both defends Marian devotion but also exalts the devotion as necessary and the surest way to Jesus.

Outline of True Devotion to Mary

The Foundation and Necessity of Marian Devotion

This initial section establishes the theological basis for why devotion to the Virgin Mary is essential for a Christian. St. Louis de Montfort argues that since God the Father chose to give His Son to the world through Mary, and God the Son chose to be dependent on her, and God the Holy Spirit chose her to form Jesus Christ in souls, then humanity must also go through her to reach God. He posits that Mary is the indispensable "aqueduct" through which all graces flow and the "treasurer" of all God's gifts. Therefore, he concludes, devotion to her is not merely helpful but is the most secure and necessary path for attaining salvation and spiritual perfection.

Discerning True Devotion from False Devotion

After establishing the necessity of devotion, the author provides a guide for distinguishing authentic spiritual practices from counterfeit ones. He outlines and critiques seven types of "false devotees" whose practices are flawed:

In contrast, he defines "true devotion" by five key characteristics: it must be Interior (from the heart), Tender (full of confidence), Holy (leading one away from sin), Constant (faithful and persevering), and Disinterested (seeking God alone, not oneself).

The Definition of "Perfect Consecration"

This section introduces the central practice of the book, which the author calls the most perfect of all devotions. It is defined as a total and entire consecration of oneself to Jesus through the hands of Mary. This offering is absolute and includes:

  1. One's body with all its senses.
  2. One's soul with all its faculties.
  3. All worldly goods, both present and future.
  4. All spiritual goods, including one's merits, virtues, and the value of all good actions—past, present, and future.

The author explains that this act is a perfect renewal of one's baptismal vows, made consciously and voluntarily. By giving everything to Mary, the soul entrusts its spiritual wealth to the one person who can best guard, augment, and use it for the greatest glory of God.

Motives and Effects of the Consecration

Here, the author explains why a soul should undertake this consecration and what its results are. He presents it as the easiest, shortest, most perfect, and most secure way to achieve union with Christ. A central part of his argument is a detailed allegory of the biblical story of Jacob and Rebecca. In it, Rebecca (representing Mary) lovingly prepares her favored son Jacob (the consecrated soul) so that he, rather than his brother Esau (the reprobate soul), receives the father's blessing. In the same way, Mary clothes the soul with the merits of Christ and her own virtues, making it perfectly pleasing to God the Father. The "wonderful effects" of this practice on the soul include profound humility, a share in Mary's unshakable faith, freedom from spiritual anxieties, and a complete transformation in which the soul's spirit is replaced by the spirit of Mary, which desires only to glorify Jesus.

The Practical Application of the Devotion

This final section serves as a "how-to" guide for the consecration. It outlines both the interior and exterior practices required. The primary interior practice is to do all actions by Mary, with Mary, in Mary, and for Mary.

The author provides a preparatory program of prayers and meditations lasting three weeks, specific instructions for practicing the devotion during Holy Communion, and other external practices like wearing a small chain. The book culminates with the formal prayer, the "Act of Consecration," which is the solemn formula for giving oneself entirely to Jesus through Mary.

The last lines say it best with:

Who can receive this, let him receive it.

Who is wise, he will understand these things.

True Devotion to Mary is available from Lumen et Logos.