Have you ever found yourself wanting to grow closer to Mary, but you’re not sure where to start? You’re not alone! I sometimes get asked by readers how to start a relationship with Mary, so I thought I’d share a few easy ways to get started. Remember, Mary wants to lead you closer to Christ. She always points us toward her Son, so getting to know Mary is really getting to know Jesus. It’s important to understand that we do not worship Mary. We honor her because she is the mother of God, and we ask her to intercede for us. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Talk to Her — The best way to get know someone is to spend time with them, and Mary is no different. Take time to talk to Mary as if she is your best friend or your mother. Talk to her about your day, share your concerns, and ask for guidance. She wants to hear about all of it, so she can bring your prayers to her son. Jesus gave Mary to all of us when he was on the cross. Forming a friendship with her will bring you closer to Him.
2. Consecrate Yourself — Marian consecration is a formal way of entrusting yourself to Mary’s care and intercession. Jesus entrusted John to Mary while he was on the cross, so asking Mary for her intervention in our lives has been something Catholics have done since the beginning of the Church. Mary wants you to go to Heaven, so she will always lead you closer to God.
There are a couple of books you can purchase to get you started. A popular read is 33 Days to Morning Glory. This is one is on the easier side and is excellent for beginners. Another book is True Devotion to Mary by St. Louis de Montfort. This book goes a little deeper. You can also choose to read either of these books without consecrating yourself. This will allow you to get to know Mama Mary better and learn more about consecration without any pressure. Also there are great children and family Consecration to Mary too! Here are just a couple Family Consecration to Jesus through Mary and Marian Consecration for Children.
After (or before) the once a year full consecration you could do a daily consecration! Just print the page below!
3. Pray the Rosary – (Full guide HERE) No discussion on Mary can complete without mentioning the rosary! I notice such a difference in my day when I pray my rosary. My days seem more grace filled, and I am a better mom and wife. There are so many promises attached to the rosary. A great book that will help you to focus one the different mysteries of the rosary is ‘A Rosary for Every Heart’ pictured below. I would suggest praying at least one every day! Here are all my favorite Rosaries if you are looking for some good ones!
4. Wear the Miraculous Medal — The miraculous medal is not only a beautiful devotion but also a form of protection. Mary promised great graces to those who wear the medal. I never take mine off (me with my medal pictured above)! I get all my Miraculous Medals HERE (plus 15% off with my code HEATHER) because they are high quality and they will never tarnish! I have had mine for 4 years and love it, above is a picture of my miraculous medal.
5. Attend First Saturdays — The First Five Saturdays devotion involves attending five masses on the first Saturday of each month. During this time, you should also attend confession, receive communion, recite the rosary, and meditate on the mysteries of the rosary for 15 minutes. Mary revealed this devotion to Sister Lucia at Fatima, and she also promised to assist those who complete five first Saturdays at the hour of their death. Jesus later revealed that this devotion is specifically to make reparations for those who have committed offenses or blasphemes against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
6. MAY CROWNING – If it’s the month of May, gather your family for a beautiful Catholic tradition called a May Crowning. This is a simple little ceremony where we honor our Blessed Mother, Mary, by placing a crown of flowers on her statue or image (HERE are some ideas) to remind us that she is the Queen of Heaven and Earth. Children can bring flowers to Mary, sing a Marian hymn, and together as a family pray a Rosary or even just one decade. You can make it extra special by setting up a little Mary garden or prayer corner decorated with blossoms and candles. Afterward, celebrate with cake, cookies, or a fun spring treat to make it a joyful family feast day tradition your children will always remember. For more ideas HERE is my full blog giving craft, food and prayer ideas!
Another way to grow closer to Mary is to learn more about her. There are so many books about Mary, and many that cover Marian apparitions. I notice that one theme seems to be central with Marian apparitions, and that is that Mary appears to people to prepare them for tragedy. Our Lady of Kibeho appears to children in Rwanda before the genocide and tells them what is to come. You can read more about her appearance in Our Lady of Kibeho: Mary Speaks to the World from the Heart of Africa. This is my favorite book and one that I will never get rid of!
Other books that make for great reading are Hail, Holy Queen and The Imitation of Mary. I hope you feel inspired to try to get know Mary a little better. All my Favorite Books, statues and Medals HERE.
Below is a sweet coloring page the kids can color while reading Mary Stories! Here are some Book ideas you could read while they color!
