Gaitley, M: 33 Days to Morning Glory

by Michael E. Gaitley

From Fr. Michael E. Gaitley, MIC, author of the popular book "Consoling the Heart of Jesus," comes an extraordinary 33-day journey to Marian consecration with four giants of Marian spirituality: St. Louis de Montfort, St. Maximilian Kolbe, Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and Blessed Pope John Paul II. Father Michael masterfully summarizes their teaching, making it easy to grasp, and simple enough to put into practice. More specifically, he weaves their thought into a user-friendly, do-it-yourself retreat that will bless even the busiest of people. So, if you've been thinking about entrusting yourself to Mary for the first time or if you're simply looking to deepen and renew your devotion to her, "33 Days to Morning Glory" is the right book to read and the perfect retreat to make.

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Faith, Spirituality, Christian, Nonfiction, Theology

143 pages, Perfect Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Father Michael Gaitley, MIC, is a member of the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. Prior to his ordination to the priesthood, he received a Masters Degree in Theology and a Licentiate Degree in Moral Theology.

After his ordination to the priesthood, Fr. Michael succeeded Fr. Seraphim Michalenko, MIC, as the director of the Association of Marian Helpers, a spiritual benefit society with more than 1,000,000 members. As director, he has launched a new pastoral initiative called Hearts Afire: Parish-based Programs for the New Evangelization (HAPP).

He frequently appears on EWTN and preaches retreats throughout the country on topics such as Divine Mercy, Consoling spirituality, and Marian Consecration.

When he is not preaching missions and retreats, Fr. Michael lives and works on Eden Hill in Stockbridge, Mass., home of the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've done the 33-day consecration to Jesus through Mary before, and it wasn't too bad. Using Fr. Gaitley's book, though, was amazing. If I had let myself, I would have whipped right through it--the writing is accessible and down-to-earth and relevant to modern readers. Gaitley tapped into four great Marian saints and transformed the consecration preparation into a whole new experience for me. His explanations and insights were smack-my-forehead good and somehow, they stuck with me. I couldn't recommend this more. If you read one book this year, let it be THIS one.

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This year, 2019, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is observed today, December 9, because it falls on a Sunday. It is not a Holy Day of Obligation but still it is the most important Marian day of the year and the first time for me to make my consecration on this Holy Day. I need to reconsecrate myself to Our Lady more often than every five years, whether or not I use this book. However, this is still my favorite method as it contains the most information.


(July 2014) Update: Rereading for third time.

Father Michael Gaitley’s book, 33 Days to Morning Glory, is a do-it-yourself retreat guide which can be used in/with a group—as I did it—or on one’s own. Either way it is designed to take the reader step-by step through preparation for spiritual consecration to Jesus through Mary and includes helpful information for follow-on study.

Although not widely known or practiced in recent years, spiritual consecration is not new or difficult. It takes 33 days, culminates on a Marian Feast Day and requires proper understanding, preparation and commitment. To consecrate (be made holy) oneself to Jesus through His Blessed Mother has the character of taking a vow, so it shouldn’t be undertaken lightly nor for the wrong reasons. As a participant who has just gone through the experience, that’s all the technical “stuff” associated with it. You undertake spiritual consecration because you want to grow in your relationship with Jesus. Saints throughout the life of the Church have recognized the importance of Mary as the best person to teach us about her Son, Jesus.

In his book Fr. Gaitley introduces us to four individuals not only renowned for their piety, but especially for their devotion to Our Lady: Saint Louis De Montfort, St. Maximilian Kolbe, Mother Teresa, and John Paul II. Through the writings of these spiritual leaders, we gain greater insights into Mary’s words and place in Holy Scripture and learn about her unique relationship with the Triune God, as daughter of God the Father, mother of God the Son, and spiritual spouse of God the Holy Spirit.

I made my retreat with a group of a little over 30 people. We met at a neighboring parish, once a week (on Wednesday evenings) for approximately 90 minutes, a total of six times. We completed our retreat and made our consecration on the Feast of the Assumption, August 15, 2013.

In the beginning, some had reservations based on not being sure, ‘how to pray anymore’—their words not mine. Our retreat leaders assured us these difficulties would be resolved as we went along and in fact they were. By the end of the retreat, everyone was so happy they had stayed with it. Our consecration ceremony was very moving. Participants had different favorite saints and were affected in widely varying ways but sharing these in small group allowed all to benefit from the variety of responses. I was inspired to read Forget Not Love: The Passion of Maximilian Kolbe about Father Maximilian Kolbe and learned even more about his devotion to Mary.

My husband and I did the Consoling the Heart of Jesus retreat in January through March 2014. We will be facilitators for this series next month in our own parish.

Updated 7/5/2022 for administrative errors.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a beautiful approach to Consecration to Jesus through Mary. It is a self-guided retreat, in a sense, where you truly "ponder in your heart" Mary's role in Salvation History and her role NOW in bringing us closer to Her Son, Jesus. It takes St. Louis de Montford's method and expands upon it with the devotions of other Marian saints: St. Maximillian Kolbe, Blessed Mother Teresa and Blessed Pope John Paul II.

Throughout the reading of this book, I felt like I not only grew in my understanding of Our Blessed Mother but also in my own relationship with her. I also came to know some incredible saints, and although they are well-known, I definitely got to know them better through these readings.

If you have considered Marian consecration, this is a gentle book that is totally doable in the midst of a busy schedule. You will be so excited to read the next day's readings, and you will relish in your quiet time of thought-provoking ponderings! If you already are consecrated to Mary, this might be a nice supplement to deepen your devotion.

[Ramón S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are pondering to consagrate yourself to Jesus through Mary this is your book.
It is a book which collects the best insights and meditating thoughts of Saint Louis De Monfort, Saint Maximilian M. Kolbe, Saint Teresa of Kolkata and Saint John Paul II.
Father Michael had done such a wonderful work putting all together and explaining things in a simple but profound way. Excelsior!!!!!

[Madeline Altendorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary! How could you not love her? This is the first devotion that I have successfully completed without missing a day! Max Kolbe’s week was my favorite… although, in general didn’t love the format of the content. It wasn’t the most conducive to prayer and contemplation. Excited to see the continued fruit from life with Mama M. Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for us.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the third book by Father Michael E. Gaitley that I have read this year, but my introduction to his writing was his piece in the collection Beautiful Mercy. But this book I worked through with a group on facebook. This book is an incredible read. Often when writing reviews of non-fiction books I will draw a few quotes from the book that I highlighted while reading the book. But during my first read through of this book I highlighted 78 passages.

In this book Father Gaitley looks at the history of Marian consecration through three sets of eyes, first through the historical eyes of St. Luis de Montfort, and next those of St. Maximilian Kolbe and finally St. Mother Teresa. Working throught this book either in a group or individually will be an amazing experience.

The sections in this book are:
In Gratitude
Acknowledgements
Introduction
WEEK ONE: St. Louis de Montfort
WEEK TWO: St. Maximilian Kolbe
WEEK THREE: Blessed Mother Teresa
WEEK FOUR: Blessed John Paul II
FINAL FIVE DAYS: Synthesis and Review
DAY OF CONSECRATION
APPENDIX ONE: Prayers
APPENDIX TWO: Devotions
Endnotes
Cheat Sheet
More Resources on Mary

I have heard a lot about Marian consecration over the last few years. But I had also heard that St. Louis de Montfort's method was very complicated. So I had never really looked into it. Then author James Hahn started a group wot work through this book together, and I jumped at the chance to work through this.

Father Gaitley does an incredible job of drawing from numerous sources to highlight the meaning behind consecration. He draws extensively from popes and also the three saints that we specifically use as a framework for out teaching. In the introduction Father Gaitley states: "Marian consecration basically means giving Mary our full permission (or as much permission as we can) to complete her motherly task in us, which is to form us into other Christs.". One of the the things I appreciated most about this self-retreat is the prayer. I found that through the daily reading and short prayers each day my own prayer life intensified. I arose early each day to work through that day's chapter, to reflect upon it. I found it often coming back throughout the day. Another quote from Fr. Gaitley that really hit me was "A person practices purity of intention when he directs his thoughts, words, and actions not to himself or another creature but to a divine purpose or mission, and ultimately to God." And really as Christians that should be a goal for all of us.

I have always had closeness to Mary our mother, even when away from the Catholic church for a while. This book helped me understand theologically and experientially Mary and her role in my life in a fuller way. Father Gaitley states: "Mary's new motherhood is not some vague or abstract sort of thing. It's concrete and personal. And even though it's universal, it's also intensely particular. Mary is your mother. She is my mother." And she is. And this book will help youi grow in understanding that.

This was an incredible read and I highly recommend it and look forward to reading more by Father Gaitley.

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Father Gaitley.

(Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)

[Regina Doman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you say amazing? It's rare that I recommend a book on spirituality, but this one is different. I would give it away to people--and actually, I already have. Total consecration is a misunderstood spiritual practice, but Fr. Gaitley not only makes it comprehensible: he makes it attractive and even exciting.

This book is designed as a mini-retreat, with sections to read daily for 33 days. It's very practical, and the appendix is comprehensive. We have read this book aloud twice as a family, and each time it engaged the attention of almost all our children. Fr. Gaitley is a good storyteller, and he comes up with nuggets of trivia about figures devout Catholics might regard as prosaic, like St. Louis de Montfort or Mother Teresa. If you're unfamiliar with serious Marian devotion or have weird ideas about it, this book is a good place to start, even if it's meant to be a devotional, rather than apologetic book. I've seriously considered giving it away to my non-Catholic friends, and I understand that some Protestant readers have already found it compelling.

Definitely worth the read. If you're looking for an Easter book for a teen, this would be a great fit!

[Kieran Devine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missed a few days here and there but doubled up when needed to finish on time.

To Jesus, through Mary.

Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us.

[Rich · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok idea, but I’m not really a fan of his overly conversational and colloquial style.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

March 25, 2014

I was trying to think of ways to review this book, because 33 Days to Morning Glory didn't feel like the regular book I would review. For one thing, I never thought I'd actually do this until a friend told me about this retreat. Another is that how can I find the words to explain how reading this in the past 33 days have changed me, helped me get to know Mary and her role in my life through St. Louis de Montfort, St. Maximilian Kolbe, Blessed Mother Teresa, and Blessed John Paul II?

Let me say this instead, because this is the only thing I could think of now: there were miracles, big and small in the past 33 days that I could only attribute to the fact that I knew Mary was praying with me. There were crosses that were made sweeter, and I know that if I had encountered them on my own, it would have crushed me. But having Mama Mary by my side made it different, easier, even. She held my hand and stood by me as we looked at Jesus at the Cross, and taught me how to accept His love and to love Him back. Who else could teach us how to love Jesus with our human heart other than Mary, his mother? I don't know why it took me this long, but I'm glad I got here now.

I woke up excited this morning, because I remembered that it was 25th of March. Today is the Solemnity of the Annunciation, where we remember how Mary said the most beautiful "Yes" to the Lord, and through the Holy Spirit, she conceived Jesus. Today, like her, I also say yes to God -- I consecrate myself to Jesus through Mary. :)

Mary, help me to love with your most Immaculate Heart. Immaculate Heart of Mary, keep me in your most pure heart, so that I may please Jesus through you, in you, and with you.

[Siobhain · Rating 5 out of 5]

33 Days to Morning Glory is a preparation for consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Many years ago I took a class to prepare for consecration to Mary using St. Louis de Montfort's book True Devotion to Mary. That book was good and inspirational but sometimes difficult to relate to and very demanding in the amount of prayers one was to pray in the days leading up to consecration day. This book draws on the insights into Marian consecration of Sts. Maximilian Kolbe, Mother Teresa, and Pope John Paul II as well as Louis de Montfort. I read this along with a group from my parish, and we watched videos recorded by Fr. Gaitley to go with the book. He is cute, very funny, and a real inspiration in devotion to Mary. I highly recommend watching the videos while reading this book, if possible. I can't say enough good things about this approach. It was very relatable, inspiring, and doable. The book also has great information in the appendices about additional prayers to Mary and a confraternity devoted to her Immaculate Conception.

[Lynne Mclaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not quite through the appendix but I finished the retreat and was consecrated last week, and what a blessing! I loved it so much I plan to do it again with my husband for the Feast of the Assumption in August. I highly recommend doing this reading/retreat with a group, or at least one other person. The writing is simple and accessible, but the concepts are something you truly need to "ponder in your heart", and it is good to be able to discuss them with others. I found that other's perspectives helped me find a deeper understanding of the teachings of these 4 amazing Saints. I am so grateful to the leaders of my mothers group for introducing me to Marian Consecration.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Consecration tomorrow on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception! This is a wonderful book - it has made praying the rosary even richer. It made me feel closer to the Saints in this book, especially by their devotions to Mary being so similar across the centuries. It is a love proclaimed the with the same passion, even if by different words. If you are Catholic and say the rosary, , it might deepen the retreat more by saying a scriptural version of the rosary meditations.

[Parmida R. A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very blessed by this

[Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been searching for some time for a book that is intriguing and not a head trip about Mary, Mother of Jesus.

Thank God I finally decided to join the rest of Orange County and read this great book! I say that because I have seen this book in so many hands, as if it were the newest thriller that hit the shelves. I actually decided to approach a young woman at my church and asked if I could borrow it. It was the best thing I could get from a stranger!

I was immediately comforted to read that this author actually found himself also feeling a sense of detachment from the Virgin Mary, and he's part of a order of priests that specialize in promoting the spirituality of Mary!!! So his openness about a weakness he faced comforted me as I hesitantly began this book for Advent. After that transparent intro, I read the rest of this book more faithfully than I read the bible.

Fr. Michael has a great style of writing! He wrote about major theological concepts in a "every man" style. I felt like I was getting a daily personal phone conversation from him--it was that casual!!

I deducted one star because this book needed to also promote a way of doing the "retreat." Instead, he just wrote about the theme of the day and offered no other guidance in doing a good retreat. I felt like I was doing a daily class more than I was doing a daily retreat.

Other than that, this is a fantastic reading about Marian spirituality!

[ariana · Rating 2 out of 5]

10/23: More like 2.5 stars. A little more palatable than True Devotion. There are some great spiritual insights but I feel neurotic and almost sick reading everything else. Not a fan of contractual language, nor the car-salesman “quick and easy salvation!!” shtick.

Who is this for? I would imagine maybe cradle Latins who have been solid and comfortable in their faith in Jesus Christ for a long time. I could see it being much more helpful for those people. But as a convert, it’s borderline scandalous to me and shakes my already weak trust in Christ. It makes Him seem so far off and unapproachable. “We must never go to Our Lord except through Mary,” says St. Kolbe. Ouch.

I did appreciate the lengthy excerpts from Mother Teresa about the sufferings of Christ being the means of our unity with Him. It was very Christ-centered and clear that Mary’s role is subordinate, as helper, as the one who brings us to Him and helps us actually contemplate His love and sufferings.

I’ll read it again in a year or a few. For right now I’m going to step away.

[Cynthia Meidinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was moving to read how three of the great saints (St. Maximilan Kolbe, Blessed Mother Teresa, and Pope St. John Paul II) of the 20th century, as well as St Louis de Montfort approached their relationship to Jesus through the Blessed Virgin Mary. In particular I got a lot of help from the insights of Pope Saint John Paul II's relationship to the Blessed Mother. I will be re-reading this book again. It is the best book I have found for Marian Consecration.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book. I used it for my consecration to Jesus through Mary that culminated yesterday for the feast of the Immaculate Conception. I would highly recommend this book for its accessibility and common sense approach.

[Nick Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mamaaaaaaaaaaa ooooOOOOoooooooooo

[Aimee Ecuyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro to Marian Consecration. The second time around years later, it was also a great reminder of the commitment and depth of that consecration to Jesus through Mary.

[Caroline Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a LIFE CHANGER!!! I stumbled across it one day while at adoration, at the parish I visit by my job, they have a shelf full books to take and or donate, and this one was there! It was hidden underneath a portrait of the image of the Divine Mercy Jesus. I had heard about this book before and about Marian consecration on a podcast but I never really understood what it all meant. This book helped me grasp the meaning of consecrating our life to Jesus through our mama Mary.
It has helped me grow so much in my faith and deepen my relationship and love for our blessed mother. This book follows the teaching of Marian consecration with four great saints that I deeply admire. Saint Louis Monfort, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Teresa of Calcutta and St. John Paul II. It follows their consecration to Jesus through Mary, so it gives you four different views from four great people during different time periods. Each one beautiful and different in it's own way yet, with the same root getting to know and love Jesus through Mary. And who better to teach us to love Jesus more than his own mother, our mother the immaculate conception. It's so good! I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to get to know about Marian consecration and or who would just like to deepen their relationship with the blessed mother. Most definitely, so happy that I found this book!

[Grace Morie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to Marian Consecration although I wish the author hadn't described it as a fast-track and maybe didn't remove the original prayers of St. Louis. He owns up to this to make it easier but I felt that makes it seem all about you rather than a true surrender and sacrifice. I am seeking out a more prayerful book for my personal consecration that is more complete. I'd recommend this book as an introduction to the concept or perhaps for teens, but as an adult I am seeking a guidebook that is deeper, more prayerful and does a Marian consecration better justice as a solemn devotion to Our Lady.

[Amy Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough good about this book. I had read about consecration to Jesus through Mary years ago, but the litany of prayers involved put me off. This book simplifies the process of consecration while enriching our understanding of Marian devotion. If you are interested in Marian consecration, this book is the best!

[Rosemary Daly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book on Mary, the Mother of God, and her role as Mediatrix. It also includes glimpses into the prayer lives of the Saints who were particularly devoted to her: Maximilian Kolbe (one of my all-time favorite Saints for so many reasons); Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta; St. Louis de Montforte and St. John Paul II. This is definitely a "will re-read this" kind of book.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic update of St. Louis de Montfort's True Devotion to Mary (also on my highlyrecommended list) and spends 4 weeks and a few days focusing on 4 Marian saints (St. Louis de Montfort, St. Maximilian Kolbe, Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta and soon-to-be Saint John Paul II)

[Maddly Peculiar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect way to get closer to Jesus through Mary. It gets a little cash-grabby in the days after the retreat but the message is still the same. A beautiful consecration.

[Caroline Stein · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
I liked this book, but I feel like it could have been a lot better. I’m still glad I went through the consecration though. :)

[Samantha B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I try to renew my consecration every year on Visitation (May 31), and I'm always re-surprised at how
a) easy
and b) sublime
this book is. Each day's reading is short, but gives something to ponder, and there's plenty of review at the end. I wouldn't say that the Consecration to Mary has changed my life (which is probably my fault, not Mary's. XD) but I do think it's an excellent devotion to cultivate.

4.5 stars, I suppose? It is a reread, after all. Rounded up to 5 for Goodreads.

[Carlos Santiago Bañón · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fr. Gaitley's insight and formula for Marian consecration is truly life-changing. So grateful for this book!

[Juana Wink]

Wonderful book to increase appreciation and understanding of Our Lady. The book gave me things to pray about and a deeper devotion to Mary. I hope to re-read it many more times!