For seventy-five years, the Blessed Virgin Mary has been our special advocate, intercessor and inspiration throughout all the joys and sorrows that the people in the 12 counties of the Diocese of Evansville have experienced. Now, as we face the continuing challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic and the unrest in our nation, it seems especially appropriate to once again turn to our Lady for her prayers and protection.
Therefore, all of the faithful are invited to join Bishop Siegel as he consecrates the Diocese of Evansville to the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday, September 12, the day we celebrate the Most Holy Name of Mary. The bishop will celebrate Mass at Saint Benedict Cathedral, followed by the diocesan prayer of consecration.
It is the hope that this Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary will open hearts more profoundly to her powerful intercession, so that she may lead us ever deeper into the love of her Son, Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Therefore, all of the faithful are invited to join Bishop Siegel as he consecrates the Diocese of Evansville to the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday, September 12, the day we celebrate the Most Holy Name of Mary. The bishop will celebrate Mass at Saint Benedict Cathedral, followed by the diocesan prayer of consecration.
It is the hope that this Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary will open hearts more profoundly to her powerful intercession, so that she may lead us ever deeper into the love of her Son, Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today and forever.
NEW - Prepare for the Consecration with the Evansville Vocations Office
To help you prayerfully prepare for the consecration, the Evansville Vocations Office is producing a series of videos using Saint Louis de Montfort's Total Consecration. New videos will be posted daily starting August 10 to the Vocations YouTube channel. Visit and subscribe, and watch an introductory video from Father Tyler Tenbarge on what the total consecration is all about.
To help you prayerfully prepare for the consecration, the Evansville Vocations Office is producing a series of videos using Saint Louis de Montfort's Total Consecration. New videos will be posted daily starting August 10 to the Vocations YouTube channel. Visit and subscribe, and watch an introductory video from Father Tyler Tenbarge on what the total consecration is all about.
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Consecration of the Diocese
to the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary When: Saturday, September 12 Memorial of the Most Holy Name of the BVM Where: Saint Benedict Cathedral Mass at 9 AM, followed by Bishop Siegel leading the diocesan consecration Mass is open to the public (with seating limited due to social distancing) & will be live streamed via the cathedral's Facebook page |
What is a "consecration?"
Consecration means to make sacred. To consecrate someone or something is to give that person or object totally to the living God. God shares his holiness with us and allows us to participate in his holiness through the gift of grace. For each of the faithful, this begins with Baptism. While first and foremost an act of God, consecration can also be spoken of as our response to God. When we surrender to God’s will to transform us into his likeness and make us holy, we consecrate ourselves to him. We respond by setting ourselves apart to belonging to the Lord in a new way. |
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Why a Consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary?
A Marian consecration flows from the grace of our Baptism, through which we were originally consecrated, or “set apart,” for Jesus Christ and grafted into His life in the Church. Mary is the prototype of a consecratory response to God’s will. At the joyful mystery of the Annunciation, she responds to God’s will for her by a total acceptance and faith-filled surrender: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38 - NABRE). In the simplest of terms, by means of Marian consecration, we give ourselves to Mary to be formed into the image of her Son, Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Saint Louis de Montfort once wrote, “Total consecration to Jesus through Mary is the surest, easiest, shortest, and most perfect means to becoming a saint.” So if we are striving for holiness, which is our baptismal vocation, then asking for the prayers of Our Lady is the ideal way to approach this eternal goal. |
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"Virgin of Ollignies"
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How does one make the Consecration?
There are many ways to make a personal consecration to Jesus through Mary. A Marian consecration can be as simple or as grand as you like. It can be done individually, as a group, or as a parish community under the leadership of the pastor. It should be a time of reflection and prayer for the commitment which you are about to make. The customary time of preparation is thirty-three days. One of the best-known was written by Saint Louis de Montfort in the 18th century – True Devotion to Mary. He also wrote Secret of the Rosary, and his Mariology has influenced many saints and popes. The de Montfort consecration includes daily readings and prayers. Fr. Michael Gaitley published an updated consecration, 33 Days to Morning Glory, that includes the Marian insights of three contemporary saints. This consecration preparation includes a daily reading and brief reflection. See the suggested resources below for more information on preparation materials for individuals, children, families and small groups. |
Parish Preparation/Resources
Pastors are invited to consecrate their parishes to to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Following are ways to help the faithful of the parish prepare.
Pastors are invited to consecrate their parishes to to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Following are ways to help the faithful of the parish prepare.
- Bulletin Flyer (English-Color) (Spanish-Color) (English-BW) (Spanish-BW)
- Bulletin/Newsletter Announcement (English & Spanish)
- Encourage parish prayer groups (rosary groups, bible studies, faith sharing, adoration) to make the consecration the intention of their prayer during the period of preparation.
- Take advantage of the numerous Marian feasts that fall in the prep period:
- August 15 – Assumption of the BVM
- August 22 – Queenship of the BVM
- September 5 – First Saturday devotion; celebrate the Mass “Immaculate Heart of the BVM”
- September 8 – Nativity of the BVM
- Include an intercession on Sundays (and also weekdays) that speaks to the preparation (English) (Spanish)
- Highlight your church’s image of the BVM with additional flowers, candles, environment
- Parish/Family Personal Prayer of Consecration (English) (Spanish)
Individual/Small Group Resources
For those who wish to make their own personal consecration at the same time as the diocesan consecration. The start date for the customary 33-day preparation is August 10. Many of these may be used by individuals, small parish groups, or as families.
True Devotion to Mary, by Saint Louis de Montfort
Considered by many to be the greatest single book of Marian spirituality ever written, True Devotion to Mary, is Saint Louis de Montfort’s classic statement on the spiritual way to Jesus Christ though the Blessed Virgin Mary.
ISBN: 9780895551542
Publisher: Saint Benedict Press, LLC
Publication: 2010
Saint Louis’ preparation is also available online--“How to Make Your St. Louis de Montfort's Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary” from The Catholic Company.
33 Days to Morning Glory, A Do It Yourself Retreat in Preparation for Marian Consecration, by Fr. Michael Gaitley
A simpler program of preparation based on the works of Saint Louis de Montfort, Saint Maximillian Kolbe, Pope Saint John Paul II, and Saint Teresa of Calcutta. English and Spanish versions, and other supplemental resources for individual or small group use.
ISBN: 978-1596142442
Publisher: Marian Press
Publication: 2011
Totus Tuus: A Consecration to Jesus through Mary with St. John Paul II, by Father Brian McMaster
This fresh look at Marian consecration takes the themes and structures of St. Louis de Montfort's preparation for total consecration and incorporates the teachings and insight of Saint John Paul II, including prayer, contemplation, and resolutions that will open your heart to the life of the Holy Trinity.
ISBN: 978-1-61278-643-8
Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor
Publication: 2013
Total Consecration through the Mysteries of the Rosary: Meditations to Prepare for Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary, by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV
Fr. Ed Broom has developed a do-it-yourself retreat that culminates in the total consecration to Jesus through Mary by focusing on the Mysteries of the Rosary and the Seven Sorrows of Mary, taking only a few moments each day.
ISBN: 978-1-622824-502
Publisher: Sophia Institute Press
Publication: 2017
33 Day Family Consecration, from Your Holy Family Ministries
A comprehensive program for your whole family to prepare for total consecration to Jesus through Mary as a family. The program book and coloring book are available online or in print editions.
ISBN: 978-0996598002
Publisher: Your Holy Family
Publication: 2015
Marian Consecration for Children: Bringing Mary to Life in Young Hearts and Minds, by Carrie Gress
Dr. Carrie Gress, author of The Marian Option, provides a fun and thrilling way for children to participate in this centuries-old practice, weaving in tales of saints, kings, queens, knights, and princesses as a way to teach children about virtue, courage, and their spiritual mother who loves them.
ISBN: 9781505111187
Publisher: Saint Benedict Press
Publication: 2018
Consecration Explained, a podcast by Catholic evangelizers Greg and Jennifer Willits
Includes a link to a 33-day series of podcasts based on the book Preparation for Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary by Saint Louis de Montfort.
Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Litany of Loreto (or Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
Immaculate Heart coloring pages (copyrighted for personal and classroom use only)
More Immaculate Heart coloring pages
For those who wish to make their own personal consecration at the same time as the diocesan consecration. The start date for the customary 33-day preparation is August 10. Many of these may be used by individuals, small parish groups, or as families.
True Devotion to Mary, by Saint Louis de Montfort
Considered by many to be the greatest single book of Marian spirituality ever written, True Devotion to Mary, is Saint Louis de Montfort’s classic statement on the spiritual way to Jesus Christ though the Blessed Virgin Mary.
ISBN: 9780895551542
Publisher: Saint Benedict Press, LLC
Publication: 2010
Saint Louis’ preparation is also available online--“How to Make Your St. Louis de Montfort's Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary” from The Catholic Company.
33 Days to Morning Glory, A Do It Yourself Retreat in Preparation for Marian Consecration, by Fr. Michael Gaitley
A simpler program of preparation based on the works of Saint Louis de Montfort, Saint Maximillian Kolbe, Pope Saint John Paul II, and Saint Teresa of Calcutta. English and Spanish versions, and other supplemental resources for individual or small group use.
ISBN: 978-1596142442
Publisher: Marian Press
Publication: 2011
Totus Tuus: A Consecration to Jesus through Mary with St. John Paul II, by Father Brian McMaster
This fresh look at Marian consecration takes the themes and structures of St. Louis de Montfort's preparation for total consecration and incorporates the teachings and insight of Saint John Paul II, including prayer, contemplation, and resolutions that will open your heart to the life of the Holy Trinity.
ISBN: 978-1-61278-643-8
Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor
Publication: 2013
Total Consecration through the Mysteries of the Rosary: Meditations to Prepare for Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary, by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV
Fr. Ed Broom has developed a do-it-yourself retreat that culminates in the total consecration to Jesus through Mary by focusing on the Mysteries of the Rosary and the Seven Sorrows of Mary, taking only a few moments each day.
ISBN: 978-1-622824-502
Publisher: Sophia Institute Press
Publication: 2017
33 Day Family Consecration, from Your Holy Family Ministries
A comprehensive program for your whole family to prepare for total consecration to Jesus through Mary as a family. The program book and coloring book are available online or in print editions.
ISBN: 978-0996598002
Publisher: Your Holy Family
Publication: 2015
Marian Consecration for Children: Bringing Mary to Life in Young Hearts and Minds, by Carrie Gress
Dr. Carrie Gress, author of The Marian Option, provides a fun and thrilling way for children to participate in this centuries-old practice, weaving in tales of saints, kings, queens, knights, and princesses as a way to teach children about virtue, courage, and their spiritual mother who loves them.
ISBN: 9781505111187
Publisher: Saint Benedict Press
Publication: 2018
Consecration Explained, a podcast by Catholic evangelizers Greg and Jennifer Willits
Includes a link to a 33-day series of podcasts based on the book Preparation for Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary by Saint Louis de Montfort.
Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Litany of Loreto (or Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
Immaculate Heart coloring pages (copyrighted for personal and classroom use only)
More Immaculate Heart coloring pages
