“The more we honour the Blessed Virgin, the more we honour Jesus Christ, because we honour Mary only that we may the more perfectly honour Jesus, since we go to her only as the way by which we are to find the end we are seeking, which is Jesus.”  
– St. Louis Marie de Montfort.

True Devotion to Mary Study Group

Background
Although written in 1712/13  St. Louis Marie de Montfort’s book True Devotion to Mary  is still considered one of the greatest ever written on the Blessed Virgin Mary, and a masterpiece of Marian theology and spirituality   Highly recommended by no less than eight popes and countless saints, including Mother Teresa of Calcutta, St. Maxmilian Kolbe, and St. Pope John Paul II, it offers the enquiring and discerning reader much to ponder, pray about and discuss.

During the school years 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2023/2024  five groups of adults formed in Sligo, Roscommon, Donamon Castle and Ballinasloe (2) so as to discuss the content and their related thoughts and feelings.  Their engagement wasn’t academic.  Rather each participant, supported by the group, found themselves seeing Our Lady and the Blessed Trinity in a new light, and in ways that supported them evolve a more meaningful relationship with God.  

The membership of all five groups began by attending an information meeting, which was followed by fortnightly one-and-a-half hour meetings between mid-September and mid-May, taking extended breaks at Christmas and Easter. 

Prior to each session members committed to reading a pre-selected section of the book (just a few pages) and to engaging with a handout that incorporated a few questions.  The handouts drew on the work of an American Catechist, Anne Collins, and an eminent retired Catholic theologian, Fr. Basil Cole OP, who taught in The Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome and The Dominican House of Studies, Washington DC.  Both Anne and Fr. Basil have much experience in supporting adult groups explore the rich insights of St. Louis Marie de Montfort.  

Adults of the Elphin, Clonfert and Tuam dioceses accompanied by their Spiritual Director, Fr. Michael Kennedy (Cashel &Emly) who undertood a shared study of True Devotion to Mary in the Clonfert Family Centre, Ballinasloe, during the 2021/2022 school year.

Taking a moment to celebrate. Fr. Eamonn O’Connor PP (Strokestown), Spiritual Director to one of two True Devotion to Mary Study Groups that met during 2022/2023, celebrating forty years of priestly service with the group.

Members of Sligo’s 2023/2024 True Devotion Group with Spiritual Director, Fr. John Carroll SPS and Ms Eithne Deane (centre), Group Facilitator.

2024/2025 School Year
TThe parish of Kiltoom & Cam (north of Athlone, and south of Knockcroghery) is kindly hosting a group.  It is being facilitated by Justin Harkin, Director, Elphin Diocese’s Pastoral & Faith Development Services, and is supported, at the level of spiritual direction, by Fr. Eamonn O’Connor PP, Strokestown and by Fr Michael McManus PP, Kiltoom & Cam, when available.

Those interested in joining the existing group are encouraged to register their interest with Justin (087 6171526 ) and who will relay information that was shared during related Information Meetings in September:

Dates & Times For Group Meetings

All meetings will be  c. 1 and a quarter hours in length and will integrate brief times of prayer, some reading and conversation.

Which version of True Devotion to Mary?
A number of publishers publish this spiritual classic.
We encourage participants to avail of the version published by Catholic Way Publishing entitled ‘True Devotion to Mary with preparation for total consecration‘ as it uses a numbering sequence that supports group engagement.  

Other versions are also acceptable, but please ensure that contain the translation by Fr. F. W. Faber.

This book is available through Veritas Online Bookstore and Amazon.co.uk and Kindle.

Further Enquiries
Please contact Justin Harkin on 087 6171526 

Thank you.

Posted: 06/09/2024