Day Four (October 10): Offering Oneself as a Gift to the Immaculata
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
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The Immaculata does not intend to realize these projects of apostolic action directly, personally.
Rather, she seeks to involve us in this activity.
Consequently, the essential condition that every member of the MI must put in practice is this: offering one’s self as a possession of the Immaculata…. This activity of the Immaculata will be more effective the more we seek on our part to further deepen our spiritual formation. The gift of self to the Immaculata, therefore, carries with it the need of a commitment in view of perfecting our character.
Only then—when we shall be perfectly obedient to the Immaculata—shall we become an exemplary instrument in her apostolic hands. We shall be apostles by means of the example of our life, apostles by means of our action. In the activity that the MI outlines for us, we may make use of any good means.
In the membership card all means, provided they are legitimate, are recommended. Therefore, there is no limitation regarding the organizational fields. Nevertheless, the Militia of the Immaculata lays an emphasis on those means that the Immaculata herself recommends. One of these is the Miraculous Medal. The Militia of the Immaculata, as we can see, is a global vision of Catholic life in a new form, consisting in the bond with the Immaculata, our universal Mediatrix before Jesus.
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.