Find it odd seeing students and teachers walking around with charm bracelets without any charms on them? They are, in fact, a symbol of consecration to Jesus through Mary, also known as Marian Consecration. Siena Adducci ’19 explains, “At the end of 33 days, a chain around your wrist symbolizes you are a servant of Christ.” This 17th century practice, popularized by St. Luis de Montfort has been adopted by many Catholics over the years. Father Michael Gaitley’s book, 33 Days to Morning Glory, has brought about a recent resurgence of interest in this nearly 500 year old devotion in the Church and here at Providence.
Before Christmas, Fr. McClellan, Dr. Boldt, and Mr. Carrillo announced this opportunity to the upper school, framed by Gaitely’s book. Mr. Richard Carrillo, US Choir director, noted, “there are many different variations of this practice, but Providence is using Morning Glory where these brief reflections (about 5 minutes a day) allow us to contemplate what a relationship with Mary will look like and how powerful it can be.” Certainly, as Carrillo pointed out, “This can be done at any time of day, but we have group prayer after school in the chapel and several copies of Fr. Gaitley’s book on reserve there.”
Providence is taking part in this “thirty three day prayer routine to ask Mary to help draw us closer to Jesus,” Carrillo explained, “not only obtaining a stronger relationship with Mary but with Christ as well.” Adducci added “My consecration really helped me get a lot closer to Mary and I haven’t taken my bracelet off since. It is actually my one year anniversary later this month and I’ll renew my vows.” Like many, Adducci picked the Feast of the Annunciation (March 25th) as her official day of consecration.
Carrillo further reflected, “every saint I have ever admired said this was a pivotal part of their own personal conversion and very helpful for them.” When speaking to the school before Christmas leading up to this opportunity, Carrillo noted how much his own perception and appreciation of Mary had grown over the years, “When I think of how my own Mother wants to care for me, it’s easier to understand the role Mary desires to have in our relationship with Jesus.”
All different types of Marian consecration lead to the same outcome: a stronger prayer life, a stronger relationship with Mary, and a stronger relationship with Jesus.