DAY 54 – OUR LADY OF VICTORY, PRAY FOR US
WE’RE GOING IN! NOVENA FOR OUR NATION: AUGUST 15 – OCTOBER 7
NO CROSS, NO CROWN!
No cross, no crown. No pain, no gain. No guts, no glory. St. James summons us to see the challenges we face as opportunities to rise to new heights of existence, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (Jas 1:12).
In the military, the cross and crown symbolizes a soldier’s willingness to remain faithful to the mission at hand, to each other, and to country, no matter what. This kind of unwavering dedication is exactly what Jesus meant when he gave us the criterion for enlisting in his elite fighting force: “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?” (Lk 9:23-25).
While sounding like a military drill instructor, St John Vianney expounds on this radical call to discipleship: “There is no doubt about it: a person who loves pleasure, who seeks comfort, who flies from anything that might spell suffering, who is over-anxious, who complains, who blames, and who becomes impatient at the least little thing which does not go his way – a person like that is a Christian only in name; he is only a dishonor to his religion, for Jesus Christ has said so: ‘Anyone who wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross every day of his life, and follow Me.'”
The Gospels stories show how Jesus touched people in ways that made them question the direction of their lives. Some turned away because his challenge seemed to be too hard. But many others were so moved by his mission and ministry that they were compelled to search for a more perfect way of living and being. Where do you stand? Are you ready to put it all on the line? This means nothing less than to do what God is calling you. Are you ready to say “yes” to the call to become his champion? (Excerpt from my book, Church Militant Field Manual).
Maximillian Kolbe’s Call for Consecration
On October 16, 1917 – just three days after the Miracle of the Sun in Fatima – St. Maximilian Kolbe founded the confraternity known as “The Militia of the Immaculata,” a movement whose purpose is to convert sinners, heretics, and especially Masons, and to sanctify all under the patronage and through the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin Mary. In advance of the Nazi invasion of Poland, hundreds of thousands were consecration to Jesus through Mary, due to Father Kolbe’s efforts.
“While Fr. Kolbe’s push for consecration was the largest,” according to Father Michael Gaitley, “the one going on right now is the second-largest ever, and the largest since St. Maximilian Kolbe’s.” There’s a historical reason for the new push to consecration. Fr. Michael Gaitley said, “there’s something happening, something moving, something ahead, while no one knows specifically what is coming.”
Having completed the 54 Day Basic Training in Holiness, you are now Combat Ready; prepared to be a Champion for Christ in these challenging times
Kolbe’s Marian Consecration is joined with enrollment into the Militia Immaculata. It means that one consecrates himself to the Mother of God to become an instrument and tool in her Immaculate hands. You become a servant of Christ the King more perfectly by allowing Mary to form you for His Divine Purposes. All of your prayers, works, penances, and received indulgences are committed to her care and discretion for the greater glory of God.
St. Maximilian Kolbe invites us to consecrate ourselves to Jesus through Mary by:
- Wearing the Miraculous Medal daily
- Praying the Rosary daily
- Enrolling in the Militia Immaculata
- Solemnly reciting the prayer of consecration on a Marian Feast Day. Having chosen a consecration day, and prepared accordingly with Confession and Communion, recite the following consecration:
The M.I. Act of Consecration to Mary
Written by St. Maximilian Kolbe
O Immaculata, Queen of Heaven and earth, refuge of sinners and our most loving Mother, God has willed to entrust the entire order of mercy to you. I, (name) , a repentant sinner, cast myself at your feet, humbly imploring you to take me with all that I am and have, wholly to yourself as your possession and property. Please make of me, of all my powers of soul and body, of my whole life, death and eternity, whatever most pleases you.
If it pleases you, use all that I am and have without reserve, wholly to accomplish what was said of you: “She will crush your head,” and, “You alone have destroyed all heresies in the world.” Let me be a fit instrument in your immaculate and merciful hands for introducing and increasing your glory to the maximum in all the many strayed and indifferent souls, and thus help extend as far as possible the blessed kingdom of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. For wherever you enter you obtain the conversion and growth in holiness, since it is through your hands that all graces come to us from the most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
V. Allow me to praise you, O sacred Virgin.
R. Give me strength against your enemies.
6 Our Fathers, 6 Hail Marys, and 6 Glory Bes for the intentions of the Pope
(If the steps above are followed, a Plenary Indulgence is received.)
PRAY A ROSARY
Choose either:
Rosary of the Day: Glorious Mysteries
Traditional 54 Day Rotation: Glorious Mysteries
PETITIONS
US Grace Force Main Intentions
- May our Church and our country find hope as we unite at the foot of the cross.
General Intentions
- In reparation for our sins and the sins of the whole world
- For our own sanctification
- For the protection of life from natural conception to natural death, for an end to all abortions, contraception, and assisted suicide, for conversion and repentance of all abortionists and pro-choicers
- For the preservation and protection of the family and traditional marriage, for an end to same-sex marriage, the LGBTQ agenda, to cohabitation, for conversion and repentance of all those living in sin
- For an end and defeat to all ungodly idealogies, especially socialism, communism, liberalism, atheism, marxism, and gnosticism
- For the conversion of sinners, heretics, schismatics, idolaters, apostates, and lukewarm souls
- For our Holy Father, Pope Francis, for all Cardinals, Bishops, Abbots, Priests, Deacons, consecrated religious, lay ministers, and all the faithful, for their faithfulness, courage, and obedience to Jesus Christ and the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, for their sanctification, for their repentance and conversion, for their growth in holiness, and that they lead all those in their charge in holiness through words and actions
- For our President, for all Governors, all Mayors, Senators, Representatives, and all government civil and elected officials and servants, for their conversion and repentance, that the Holy Spirit guide and protect them and that they lead the people of the United States and their respective state and local governments with charity and justice
Personal Intentions
- Your own personal intentions
Dare to Live in Him 