The Little Consecration

Barbara McGuigan and I had a marvelous discussion today about our Blessed Mother on EWTN Radio’s “The Good Fight.” Thank you to all of you for listening, and thanks to those who called in with your wonderful insights, comments, and questions!

I’m posting this in response to a request I received from listeners.

During the show, I told my story about “Mommy Vibes” that appears in my book Imitating Mary: Ten Marian Virtues for the Modern Mom.

Every now and then, I have what I’ve dubbed mommy vibes – an inexplicable sense that one of my kids is in some kind of difficult and in need of urgent prayer. Quite often,  I’ve discovered later that that child had indeed been in a difficult moment when the vibes set in! I found this especially true while our oldest son was deployed to the Middle East with the National Guard. Usually, I could just call or text the child about who I was getting vibes in order to set my mind and heart at ease. I couldn’t do that when Matt was overseas.

When I was a child, I was taught a prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary that is part of the spirituality of the Apostolic Movement of Schoenstatt, referred to as “The Little Consecration.” The prayer consecrates oneself to our Blessed Mother. Whenever the mommy vibes would kick in about Matt while he was deployed, I’d say the prayer substituting our son’s name for the personal pronoun in the prayer.

Sometimes, the vibes would hit in the middle of my day, while I was driving, or in a group of people. Sometimes they’d hit in the middle of the night, and I’d be gripped with fear for Matt’s safety. I’d break into a sweat (literally) and “know” that Matt needed prayers. Now. Then I would say The Little Consecration for my son, placing him into the protection of Mary.

I’d say the prayer primarily for Matt’s protection, but also to calm my fears and help me get a grip. Frequently, I’d have to say the prayer two or three times before I’d be at peace. Many a time, I’d have to say the prayer more than a dozen times before the panic would ease off. Regardless, there was always peace, and a real sense that our Blessed Mother would see to my son’s well-being. And she did.

I promised “The Good Fight” listeners that I would post this most powerful prayer on my blog, and so here it is. Use it for yourself, your family, friends, co-workers, enemies, strangers, and anyone else you’d like to place under Mary’s charge. I guarantee that she will hear your prayer and act on it.

The Little Consecration

My Queen, My Mother.

I give myself entirely to you,

and to show my devotion to you,

I consecrate to you this day,

my eyes, my ears, my mouth, my heart,

my entire self without reserve.

As I am your own my good Mother,

Guard me, and defend me,

as your property and possession. Amen.