Earlier today,Lissa told me she is planning on preparing for a Monfortian Consecration to Jesus through Mary. Checking the calendar at the back of her copy of True Devotion to Mary, she was delighted to find the next preparation period begins tomorrow (November 5th) and continues until the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th. Needless to say, I hopped on board with her, realizing this is the perfect lead in to Advent.
According to St. Louis de Montfort, the first twelve days "should be employed in casting off the spirit of the world, which is contrary to that of Jesus Christ."
I hope some of you will join us in prayer this month, asking God's blessings upon our homes and country and taking Mary into our hearts. Here are the exceptionally beautiful prayers to be said daily:
November 5th to 16th: Twelve Preliminary Days
November 17th to 23rd: First Week
November 24th to 30th: Second Week
December 1st to 7th: Third Week
December 8th: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Interestingly, I saw a box of 45 beautiful little Hanukah candles in the supermarket the other day. The white and blue tints and traditional Jewish pattern reminded me of the Blessed Mother, so I popped them into my cart, hoping to find some use for them in the weeks ahead. Now I am thinking about lighting one each night, illuminating the house more and more as the Feast of the Immaculate Conception approaches. After using 33 candles, there will be just enough left over for the 12 days of Christmas!
Online reading materials to assist with the preparation:
Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis
True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin by St. Louis de Montfort
"After using 33 candles, there will be just enough left over for the 12 days of Christmas!"
Dear Alice,
This is just so ideal. You always have BEST ideas!
I have placed my True Devotion book at the ready and will be praying along with you!
God Bless you and your dear ones, kristina
Posted by: kristina | November 05, 2007 at 01:28 AM
Ooh, lovely idea with the candles!
So glad you're walking this road with me, dear one.
Posted by: Lissa | November 05, 2007 at 02:01 AM
I probably won't be praying ALL the prayers alongside you ;), but I will be praying for you with all my heart.
Posted by: Margaret in Minnesota | November 05, 2007 at 03:49 AM
This is just so perfect and beautiful, count me in :) Thank you so much Alice!
Posted by: Meredith | November 05, 2007 at 09:44 AM
I forgot to ask about the Hanukkah candles when I saw them on your counter, LOL! I had just been reading a book about Jewish conversions (to Catholicism), and I was wondering what you were thinking...? ;)
Thanks for posting this. Wonderful!
Posted by: MacBeth | November 05, 2007 at 10:04 AM
Oh Alice I'm beginning today too!! It's nice to know that I'm not "alone" on this journey!
Posted by: Jen | November 05, 2007 at 11:58 AM
I get chills when numbers work out just so. Your idea is just perfect. I was beginning my own little pre-Advent this year, and this will fit in perfectly. Thank you, Alice!
Posted by: Jeannine | November 05, 2007 at 12:24 PM
Alice, I too, am joining you all with this beautiful preparation for Advent! :)
Posted by: Cheryl M. | November 05, 2007 at 01:52 PM
Alice - thank you so much for posting about this. I'm going to give it a try too.
Posted by: Christine M | November 05, 2007 at 09:11 PM
Count me in, too. It's been crazy busy here and my copy of True Devotion has been calling me, ever so quietly. Its high time I answer.
Posted by: Account Deleted | November 05, 2007 at 09:32 PM
Oh wow, I am praying this too! I would be honored to do it with you!
I agree...You always have the BEST ideas! I think the candles are a wonderful idea!
The 8th of December has long been special to me...what a blessed time of year do make this special consecration!
Posted by: Donna Marie | November 05, 2007 at 11:18 PM
Alice,
What a wonderful idea. I just saw this today. Do you think I could start today? A day late?
Posted by: Lisa | November 06, 2007 at 06:47 PM
Alice, I hope you are collecting all these ideas for a craft book! You have some truly fresh, inspired - and actually "do-able" projects that should be shared far and wide! :-)
Posted by: Monica | December 06, 2007 at 04:31 PM