Day Eight (October 14): Opening the Eyes of Others
The Novena starts on October 7, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, also known as Our Lady of Victory,
and ends on October 15.
For each day of the Novena, there is a quote from The Writings of St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe and a short
prayer.
On October 16, the anniversary of the founding of the MI, MI members are encouraged to renew their
consecration to the Immaculata, using the prayer composed by St. Maximilian.
A Reading from the Writings of St. Maximilian Kolbe
KW 1162
[The Militia] opens the eyes of those who have erroneous ideas of religion; teaches the beauty of heroic virtue to people who live in this world; becomes the guide of those who truly thirst for truth, so that they will not lose the way while tending for the ultimate end of life, which is the most important thing above all others; purifies souls, and like a friend, exhorts them to proceed in the way of virtue. These are the aims of the Militia of the Immaculata! People, without any distinction of nationality and race, have to tread the path of virtue…. The Militia of the Immaculata offers effective help to us so we may heed the voice of reason and to tread the path of virtue.
KW 1235
The Militia of the Immaculata uses any lawful means for helping souls in the work of their salvation and sanctification through the Immaculata. Besides direct apostolate and the press, an effective means today is the radio. The Militia of the Immaculata, therefore, cannot possibly neglect it.
Prayer
Holy Spirit of Truth and Love, I thank You for having inspired St. Maximilian Kolbe to start the Militia of the Immaculata movement in our time to be an instrument of Our Lady’s maternal presence for the transformation of the world according to the Gospel. Lead me and all MI members to be firmly rooted in the Lord through prayer and the sacraments, to be totally consecrated to the Immaculata and to persevere in striving for holiness following her invitation, “Do whatever He tells you.”
With Your grace and her guidance, make us willing to witness to the Truth and sacrificial love, with the humble boldness of St. Maximilian. Give us courage to speak up for the sacredness of the life of every human being, for the family according to God’s plan, for religious freedom, and for all that can lead each person to eternal life in Heaven. Inspire us to make Our Lady known and loved that she may win each soul for her Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ who, with You and the Heavenly Father, is God for ever and ever. Amen.