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True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin
"It was through the Blessed Virgin Mary that Jesus came into the world, and it is also through her that he must reign in the world…" With this uncompromising declaration, St. Louis-Marie de Montfort launched TRUE DEVOTION TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN, his widely-influential 17th Century Magnum Opus of Marian spirituality. The book inspired a groundswell of ardor for the Holy Mother of God that had a powerful impact on Catholic spirituality, and which culminated in the foundation of the missionary society "The Company of Mary" and the contemplative order "The Daughters of Wisdom." "I declare with the saints," St. Louis writes in this volume, "Mary is the earthly paradise of Jesus Christ the new Adam, where he became man by the power of the Holy Spirit, in order to accomplish in her wonders beyond our understanding. She is the vast and divine world of God where unutterable marvels and beauties are to be found…." St. Louis-Marie de Montfort was canonized in 1947 by Pope Pius XII.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1712
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About the author
Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort
78 books171 followersLouis-Marie Grignion de Montfort est un prêtre catholique français, né le 31 janvier 1673 à Montfort-la-Cane en province de Bretagne (aujourd'hui Montfort-sur-Meu en Ille-et-Vilaine) et qui est mort le 28 avril 1716 à Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre en province du Poitou) (de nos jours dans le département de la Vendée). Il est le fondateur de deux congrégations religieuses : la Compagnie de Marie (les Pères montfortains) d'où seront issus les Frères de Saint-Gabriel et une congrégation féminine : les Filles de la sagesse. Béatifié par Léon XIII, en 1888, il est canonisé par Pie XII, en 1947.
Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort (31 January 1673 – 28 April 1716) was a French Roman Catholic priest and Confessor. He was known in his time as a preacher and was made a missionary apostolic by Pope Clement XI.
As well as preaching, Montfort found time to write a number of books which went on to become classic Catholic titles and influenced several popes. Montfort is known for his particular devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the practice of praying the Rosary.
Montfort is considered as one of the early writers in the field of Mariology. His most notable works regarding Marian devotions are contained in The Secret of Mary and the True Devotion to Mary.
The Roman Catholic Church, under the pontificate of Pope Pius XII canonized Montfort on July 20, 1947. A "founders statue" created by Giacomo Parisini is located in an upper niche of the south nave of Saint Peter's Basilica.
Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort (31 January 1673 – 28 April 1716) was a French Roman Catholic priest and Confessor. He was known in his time as a preacher and was made a missionary apostolic by Pope Clement XI.
As well as preaching, Montfort found time to write a number of books which went on to become classic Catholic titles and influenced several popes. Montfort is known for his particular devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the practice of praying the Rosary.
Montfort is considered as one of the early writers in the field of Mariology. His most notable works regarding Marian devotions are contained in The Secret of Mary and the True Devotion to Mary.
The Roman Catholic Church, under the pontificate of Pope Pius XII canonized Montfort on July 20, 1947. A "founders statue" created by Giacomo Parisini is located in an upper niche of the south nave of Saint Peter's Basilica.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews
June 17, 2014
Glad to have finally listened to this. It is superior to de Monfort’s other work, The Secret Of The Rosary, although that was also excellent. Of particular value was the strict definition of ‘true devotion’ as opposed to either of two possible excesses. I also liked the many images of Mary, especially as the ‘Mold of God’ into which the Father poured the Holy Spirit to form Christ, as can be the case for any Christian. When seen as ‘a door’, ‘a path’, ‘the neck’ – which supports Christ, the Head. Through such metaphors Mary is revealed as always sustaining and leading to Jesus; never supplanting or overshadowing Him.
Very rich. Want to return to again soon.
Very rich. Want to return to again soon.
May 12, 2013
I have read this book numerous times. I took my consecration in 1995. Life has not been the same.
February 21, 2014
If you live this devotion sincerely, you will give more glory
to Jesus in a month than in many years of a more demanding
devotion. Here are my reasons for saying this:
1) Since you do everything through the Blessed Virgin as
required by this devotion, you naturally lay aside your own
intentions no matter how good they appear to you.
2) In this devotion we set no store on our own thoughts
and actions but are content to rely on Mary's dispositions when
approaching and even speaking to Jesus.
3) Our Blessed Lady, in her immense love for us, is eager
to receive into her virginal hands the gift of our actions,
imparting to them a marvellous beauty and splendour, and
presenting them herself to Jesus most willingly.
4) Lastly, you never think of Mary without Mary thinking of
God for you.
to Jesus in a month than in many years of a more demanding
devotion. Here are my reasons for saying this:
1) Since you do everything through the Blessed Virgin as
required by this devotion, you naturally lay aside your own
intentions no matter how good they appear to you.
2) In this devotion we set no store on our own thoughts
and actions but are content to rely on Mary's dispositions when
approaching and even speaking to Jesus.
3) Our Blessed Lady, in her immense love for us, is eager
to receive into her virginal hands the gift of our actions,
imparting to them a marvellous beauty and splendour, and
presenting them herself to Jesus most willingly.
4) Lastly, you never think of Mary without Mary thinking of
God for you.
January 1, 2021
I never get tired of reading this book, always I discover something new and helpful.
Hopefully you can consecrate to Jesus through Mary one day. It is one of the best things I have done in my life
Hopefully you can consecrate to Jesus through Mary one day. It is one of the best things I have done in my life
February 9, 2017
This is my 4th time reading this and re consecrating my heart and soul to Mary , at my church we are even having a ceremony with all of us doing this . I can't say enough about these beautiful prayers and praying the rosary and how much healing and peace they give to me ... The Holy Spirit works his way deep into the recesses of our minds and grants us deep inner clarity and healing . I can't say enough how awesome this is !
July 18, 2013
There's a reason why it took me nearly eight months to read this 300 page book, and it isn't just because I'm a slow reader.
This True Devotion is basically two books: The first part is de Monfort's very French, very flowery 17th century devotional prose about Mary. In it he defends his new devotion to our Blessed Mother. I found it impossible to read. Yes, I could have skimmed it, but one hates to skim a devotional work. There were a couple of interesting parts, and they occurred near the end of part one.
The first was de Montfort's unique interpretation of the Isaac and Esau Biblical scene. De Monfort sees Mary everywhere, including as reflected by Rebecca.
The second interesting part follows the interpretation of Isaac and Esau, when de Monfort discusses the merits of his devotion. One can finally truly sense his love for Mary. Here he also offers several Marian prayers to be recited during Mass.
As a true Catholic, de Montfort's dictum is always "To Jesus, through Mary." He makes it very clear that Mary intercedes for us, bringing our petitions to her Son, Jesus. She is not a goddess, nor does he treat her as such. But she does have a special bond with Jesus, having given birth to Him, and so He listens to her as he did at the wedding feast of Canaan, when she brought the newlywed's petition to Him.
The second part of the book is the practical part of de Montfort's devotion to Mary. In it he lays out a twenty-one day devotion, with prayers and texts. As a member of the Legion of Mary (de Monfort's creation) I have done a smaller version of this consecration, and I plan on doing de Monfort's full consecration as outlined in this book next time.
I only gave this book three stars, but I found the first part quite difficult to read. The second part dealing with the consecration to Mary is the important section, and that deserves five stars and more.
true devotion is a must-read for all Catholics devoted to Mary, and also for non-Catholics wishing to understand why Mary is so important to we Catholics.
This True Devotion is basically two books: The first part is de Monfort's very French, very flowery 17th century devotional prose about Mary. In it he defends his new devotion to our Blessed Mother. I found it impossible to read. Yes, I could have skimmed it, but one hates to skim a devotional work. There were a couple of interesting parts, and they occurred near the end of part one.
The first was de Montfort's unique interpretation of the Isaac and Esau Biblical scene. De Monfort sees Mary everywhere, including as reflected by Rebecca.
The second interesting part follows the interpretation of Isaac and Esau, when de Monfort discusses the merits of his devotion. One can finally truly sense his love for Mary. Here he also offers several Marian prayers to be recited during Mass.
As a true Catholic, de Montfort's dictum is always "To Jesus, through Mary." He makes it very clear that Mary intercedes for us, bringing our petitions to her Son, Jesus. She is not a goddess, nor does he treat her as such. But she does have a special bond with Jesus, having given birth to Him, and so He listens to her as he did at the wedding feast of Canaan, when she brought the newlywed's petition to Him.
The second part of the book is the practical part of de Montfort's devotion to Mary. In it he lays out a twenty-one day devotion, with prayers and texts. As a member of the Legion of Mary (de Monfort's creation) I have done a smaller version of this consecration, and I plan on doing de Monfort's full consecration as outlined in this book next time.
I only gave this book three stars, but I found the first part quite difficult to read. The second part dealing with the consecration to Mary is the important section, and that deserves five stars and more.
true devotion is a must-read for all Catholics devoted to Mary, and also for non-Catholics wishing to understand why Mary is so important to we Catholics.
January 7, 2022
My fiancé and I are going to start our consecration in a few days, to be consecrated on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Ad Jesum per Mariam!
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October 28, 2010Excellent. A great book for helping to understand and to increase one's devotion to Mary.
February 21, 2012
Preparation for Total Consecration sounds like an excellent idea for Lent.
November 18, 2019
I share St John Henry Newman's aversion to this book (irregardless of Louis' sainthood according to the judgment of the Church). As he wrote to Pusey in his Eirenicon:
"Sentiments such as these ... seem to me like a bad dream. I could not have conceived them to be said. I know not to what authority to go for them, to Scripture, or to the Fathers, or to the decrees of Councils, or to the consent of schools, or to the tradition of the faithful, or to the Holy See, or to Reason. ... They do but scare and confuse me. I should not be holier, more spiritual, more sure of perseverance, if I twisted my moral being into the reception of them; I should but be guilty of fulsome frigid flattery towards the most upright and noble of God's creatures, if I professed them,—and of stupid flattery too ... Were any of them the sayings of Saints in ecstasy, I should know they had a good meaning; still I should not repeat them myself; but I am looking at them, not as spoken by the tongues of Angels, but according to that literal sense which they bear in the mouths of English men and English women. And, as spoken by man to man, in England, in the nineteenth century, I consider them calculated to prejudice inquirers, to frighten the unlearned, to unsettle consciences, to provoke blasphemy, and to work the loss of souls."
"Sentiments such as these ... seem to me like a bad dream. I could not have conceived them to be said. I know not to what authority to go for them, to Scripture, or to the Fathers, or to the decrees of Councils, or to the consent of schools, or to the tradition of the faithful, or to the Holy See, or to Reason. ... They do but scare and confuse me. I should not be holier, more spiritual, more sure of perseverance, if I twisted my moral being into the reception of them; I should but be guilty of fulsome frigid flattery towards the most upright and noble of God's creatures, if I professed them,—and of stupid flattery too ... Were any of them the sayings of Saints in ecstasy, I should know they had a good meaning; still I should not repeat them myself; but I am looking at them, not as spoken by the tongues of Angels, but according to that literal sense which they bear in the mouths of English men and English women. And, as spoken by man to man, in England, in the nineteenth century, I consider them calculated to prejudice inquirers, to frighten the unlearned, to unsettle consciences, to provoke blasphemy, and to work the loss of souls."
April 28, 2016
This book is an extremely beneficial for those interested in mariology. Yet, I have to say that it makes many conclusory statements that lack both premises and origin; that is, he wrote most of this under the assumption that the reader (or listener, because they're sermons) have a basic knowledge of Mariology. For those knowledgable in basic mariology, this book is a message to take you deeper. For those who don't, St. Bernard and St. Bonaventure would help a ton--only because he quotes them constantly. A blessing to me...unaware that today is the saint's feast day.
November 23, 2012
A very information-ally heavy book. It expounds on Mary's importance and role within the church. It also explains the method of following the devotion. The method isn't the most simple or easy devotion to follow, but its clear to see its merit. Deep spirituality and being open to a world view that is different than that which is popular is required. Highly recommended and I will read it again.
December 19, 2015
Sólo los humildes que reconocen a la Inmaculada Concepción como Madre y Señora, dueña de toda nuestra vida por la Gracia de Dios, podrán encontrar el camino hacia el corazón de su Amado Hijo Jesucristo.
Ha sido una gran bendición para mi leer esta obra y apreciar más de cerca a la Madre, que se hizo pequeña para que sólo se engrandeciera más la Santísima Trinidad.
Ha sido una gran bendición para mi leer esta obra y apreciar más de cerca a la Madre, que se hizo pequeña para que sólo se engrandeciera más la Santísima Trinidad.
June 1, 2020
This was a wonderful way to draw closer to our Blessed Mother Mary and honor her. It was very deep at times, but gave me much to contemplate.
February 18, 2025
Este último tiempo ha traído grandes cambios a mi vida, siento que me estoy aferrando a cosas que tuve desde siempre y a las que nunca había dado el valor que se merecen, una de ellas es la fe.
Nunca he sido una fanática, no creo llegar a serlo tampoco, pero este mundo siempre fue parte de mi crianza gracias a mí mamá, ahora que ella no está, me estoy apoyando más en lo que me enseñó.
Hablando de este libro en concreto, siento que es muy interesante para quienes sienten un apego hacia la Virgen, en cualquiera de sus advocaciones, pero también para aquellos que quieren conocerla a ella y el rol que cumple.
Me tocó leer este libro mientras hacía un curso y creo que es la mejor forma de interpretarlo teniendo clases que sustenten su análisis, pero no lo veo para nada difícil de comprender si se desea leer de forma individual.
Finalmente, esto va para creyentes y no creyentes por igual, la fe es un sentimiento y pilar en muchas cosas, creo que siempre debe respetarse en todas sus formas, siempre y cuando no afecte a otros, o a uno mismo.
Nunca he sido una fanática, no creo llegar a serlo tampoco, pero este mundo siempre fue parte de mi crianza gracias a mí mamá, ahora que ella no está, me estoy apoyando más en lo que me enseñó.
Hablando de este libro en concreto, siento que es muy interesante para quienes sienten un apego hacia la Virgen, en cualquiera de sus advocaciones, pero también para aquellos que quieren conocerla a ella y el rol que cumple.
Me tocó leer este libro mientras hacía un curso y creo que es la mejor forma de interpretarlo teniendo clases que sustenten su análisis, pero no lo veo para nada difícil de comprender si se desea leer de forma individual.
Finalmente, esto va para creyentes y no creyentes por igual, la fe es un sentimiento y pilar en muchas cosas, creo que siempre debe respetarse en todas sus formas, siempre y cuando no afecte a otros, o a uno mismo.
April 4, 2016
Succinct and in-depth explanation of total consecration to Jesus trough Mary. Everyone who wants to consecrate themselves to our Lady, or already has and wants to go deeper into their consecration should read this book. It helped me understand the intensity which I struggled with so much in my initial consecration. This is definitely one to re-read for me.
Update- This book has impacted my life more than I could have known. It seems nearly inexhaustible in its wisdom.
Update- This book has impacted my life more than I could have known. It seems nearly inexhaustible in its wisdom.
July 17, 2012
If you are going to participate in this devotion, I highly recommend, The Man Called Montfort, by E. C. Bolger, S. M. M. , to be used as a companion study and meditation during the opening twelve days of St. Louis' True Devotion. It is a most practical guide and a beautiful insight into how Father de Montfort lived this devotion before ever committing it to writing.
April 25, 2020
This book led to the book "33 Days to Morning Glory", which I have read 3x.
Deep book. Controversial for sure. Makes some sense but still unsure.
Deep book. Controversial for sure. Makes some sense but still unsure.
April 19, 2015
"True Devotion to Mary" is actually one of the best written books about devotion to the Blessed Mother that was ever written. In my experience, most books about Mary are flowery, poetic works that are not very informative, almost like romantic poetry. But this book is eminently practical. De Montfort gives the readers excellent reasons why they should have a devotion to Mary. Why not just worship Jesus? Why have this devotion to a creature? De Montfort reminds us that Mary was Jesus' first Disciple and his most devoted one. She is His only human biological parent and she said "Yes" to the angel which ushered in the Incarnation. She was humble, and yet the very ediface of human salvation rested on her mission as Mother to the Living Word. She was a servant, just as Jesus calls all of us to be. She tells us, as she told the servants at the Wedding at Cana, "Do as He tells you." And she does this as well. In return for her devotion, Jesus gives Mary to the Disciple at the Foot of the Cross, "Behold your Mother" and "Behold your Son." And so He gave Mary to all Disciples. Because she was the gate to the Incarnation, so is she the gate to all Graces.
In this book, De Montfort addresses several issues that arise in the devotion to Mary. He eloquently addresses the accusation that Devotion to Mary is really idolatry, the worship of a creature as though she were God. But he also addresses several of the issues that keep the Christian away from Mary. Why, after all, should a great man like myself be devoted to this poor Jewish peasant girl? This attitude of arrogance is the very thing that drove Satan and his angels in rebellion against God, and by being devoted to Mary, the Christian can guard against such faith-killing arrogance. Many people accuse Christians of crimes such as presumption, judgementalism and elitism. It is a shame that many Christians are guilty of these attitudes. But Mary was none of these things. She was completely devoted to God, yet she never took it as anything other than service through love. She never tried to take first place. By mimicking her humility, forgiveness and love, the Christian grows by light-years closer to Jesus. Many people say that Christians who have a devotion to Mary are preferring the Mother over the Son. But there is no division between Mary and her Son. In drawing close to Mary, we by necessity draw close to the Son, in a much more intimate way than we could otherwise do. No Son could say no to His Mother. Doing so would violate the 10 commandments, and his very piety as a good Jew. And so, Jesus could not say no to His Mother's entreaties on our behalf. How could we, as Christians, not take advantage of such an amazing blessing?
When reading this treatise, please avoid the old translations with the "thees" and "Thous". Get a good, modern translation that reflects De Montfort's vivid and forceful vernacular in the French. The end of this book contains the prayers, readings and rites associated with the Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Mary. Many people have undergone this consecration. If you choose not to do it, it is beneficial to read these last sections anyway, since they give the reader an excellent insight into the scriptural and moral teachings associating with the consecratation.
Overall, this book is a must read for anyone who is interested in Devotion to the Mother of God.
In this book, De Montfort addresses several issues that arise in the devotion to Mary. He eloquently addresses the accusation that Devotion to Mary is really idolatry, the worship of a creature as though she were God. But he also addresses several of the issues that keep the Christian away from Mary. Why, after all, should a great man like myself be devoted to this poor Jewish peasant girl? This attitude of arrogance is the very thing that drove Satan and his angels in rebellion against God, and by being devoted to Mary, the Christian can guard against such faith-killing arrogance. Many people accuse Christians of crimes such as presumption, judgementalism and elitism. It is a shame that many Christians are guilty of these attitudes. But Mary was none of these things. She was completely devoted to God, yet she never took it as anything other than service through love. She never tried to take first place. By mimicking her humility, forgiveness and love, the Christian grows by light-years closer to Jesus. Many people say that Christians who have a devotion to Mary are preferring the Mother over the Son. But there is no division between Mary and her Son. In drawing close to Mary, we by necessity draw close to the Son, in a much more intimate way than we could otherwise do. No Son could say no to His Mother. Doing so would violate the 10 commandments, and his very piety as a good Jew. And so, Jesus could not say no to His Mother's entreaties on our behalf. How could we, as Christians, not take advantage of such an amazing blessing?
When reading this treatise, please avoid the old translations with the "thees" and "Thous". Get a good, modern translation that reflects De Montfort's vivid and forceful vernacular in the French. The end of this book contains the prayers, readings and rites associated with the Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Mary. Many people have undergone this consecration. If you choose not to do it, it is beneficial to read these last sections anyway, since they give the reader an excellent insight into the scriptural and moral teachings associating with the consecratation.
Overall, this book is a must read for anyone who is interested in Devotion to the Mother of God.
February 23, 2025
Si este libro me ha dejado algo claro, es que no se puede amar lo que no se conoce: el mundo está lleno de engaños disfrazados de verdad, promesas vacías que nos distraen de lo esencial. Mientras tantos se dejan arrastrar por placeres fugaces y honores inútiles, Montfort nos muestra otro camino: vaciarnos de nosotros mismos para que María nos forme como verdaderos hijos de Dios. No se trata de una devoción blanda o superficial, sino de un desafío radical: ser como la higuera que da fruto y no como el siervo inútil. Porque, al final, ¿qué vale más? ¿Perdernos en lo efímero o dejarnos moldear para la gloria?
April 1, 2012
I read this book for Lent 2012, starting on Ash Wednesday, and ending by making the Act of Total Consecration on the Solemnity of the Annunciation. This is by any standard a classic of Catholic spirituality, and is perhaps one of the best places to turn if you want to understand how the intense Catholic devotion to Jesus's Blessed Mother is at its heart a devotion to the Son.
December 18, 2015
Esto es verdadera devoción a Maria.
Es una joya de libro, que lejos estoy de una autentica devoción a la Santísima e inmaculada Virgen Maria, que poco conocemos de ella, aun los que decimos ser devotos. Este escrito, traza una linea recta para conseguir un acercamiento eficaz con nuestra Madre del Cielo.-
Es una joya de libro, que lejos estoy de una autentica devoción a la Santísima e inmaculada Virgen Maria, que poco conocemos de ella, aun los que decimos ser devotos. Este escrito, traza una linea recta para conseguir un acercamiento eficaz con nuestra Madre del Cielo.-
August 14, 2008
Incredible
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July 10, 2009A must read if your catholic and religious!
December 6, 2013
Every Catholic should read this book. Very, very good.
January 4, 2016
Libro bello. Me movió el alma para ser más mariano. Gracias a estas páginas es que hoy rezo el Santo Rosario todos los días. María digna de alabanza no deja de acercarnos más y más a Jesús.
March 17, 2018
¡Mejor libro que he leído!
Libro que TODOS deben leer para lograr la santidad. Es un libro de cabecera y para consulta frecuente y ¡permanecer en fidelidad a María!
Libro que TODOS deben leer para lograr la santidad. Es un libro de cabecera y para consulta frecuente y ¡permanecer en fidelidad a María!
December 15, 2022
Saint Louis de Montfort’s True Devotion to Mary is a beautiful, insightful read. I strongly recommend the book to anyone, Catholic and non-Catholic, seeking to know and understand Our Lady. De Montfort explains exactly why she is so important. She was the most hidden, most concealed of all the Saints, and yet she is the greatest of all Saints. She is the “safest, easiest, shortest and most perfect” way to Christ.
De Montfort has aided the 33-day consecration (this being my first) as a beautiful journey to know her and draw nearer to her like never before. I have learned so much about her through this book, with many beautiful realisations and moments to delve deeper in faith.
De Montfort has aided the 33-day consecration (this being my first) as a beautiful journey to know her and draw nearer to her like never before. I have learned so much about her through this book, with many beautiful realisations and moments to delve deeper in faith.
December 9, 2023
After having done the 33 days consecration for several years I decided to do the original one from St. Louis this year. While I enjoy 33 days, True Devotion does a better job of emphasizing Mary’s true connection and dependency on Christ and the necessity of going through Her to Christ. It beautifully emphasizes the need for humility in our lives and I highly recommend!
March 10, 2022
The author actually emphasizes in some places that Mary is lower and infinitely less than God, who chose to use her in the plan of salvation but did not have an absolute need of her. The ultimate purpose of relying on Mary and consecrating oneself to her is to strengthen one's relationship to Jesus. Just as he submitted himself to Mary, so should we but the goal is to reach Christ Himself. So in a basic sense this book is Christocentric. But in many ways the main focus seems to be Mary herself, and though this fascinates me, I can't quite subscribe to it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews