Day One (October 7): Belonging 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
KW 1211
The initials “MI” contain all the essence of the association of the Militia of the Immaculata. The association is in fact first and foremost “I,” which is to say “Immaculatae,” of the Immaculata. The ideal of each one of its members is to belong to the Immaculata, to be her servant, her child, her loving slave, her possession, her property, in other words to belong to her under any title that love toward her has contrived or will ever be capable of contriving; belonging to her in all ways throughout all one’s life, throughout death, and for all eternity. Being hers without any reserve, irrevocably, forever. Becoming ever more hers, in an ever more perfect way, growing in resemblance to her, being united with her, becoming in a certain way herself, so that she can ever more take possession of our soul, own it totally, that she herself may think, speak, love God and neighbor, and act in and through it. Here is the ideal: becoming hers, of the Immaculata, “Immaculatae,” “I.”
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.