Prayer: to Seek the Face of Jesus at the School of Mary APRIL 2017

THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA – Issue 6 1

“The goal of the MI (the abbreviation comes from the Latin Militia Immaculatae, or Militia of the Immaculata) is, in fact, to make sure that all become saints. In all this activity, what strikes the eye most of all is its Marian thrust. This is a consequence of a precise understanding of the mission of the Immaculata.” (KW 1220)

APRIL 2017

Dear MI Members, Who are the Knights at the Foot Continuing the theme of Fr. Raffaele's Fatima Congress message, of the Cross? Prayer: Prelude to Mission, the General Statutes of the Militia of the Immaculata, March 2015, contain the following expression of the purpose of the MI: "He [St. Maximilian] lived a vital, dynamic relationship with Mary in a unique way, understood as becoming 'changed' into her, transubstantiated into her" (KW 508), in order to reach a more perfect union with Christ and in order to point Him out to all people, as she did (cf. Jn 2:5)" (MI General Statutes, Article 2). The heart of our prayer is the consecration and the entrustment to the News from around the country Immaculata that she might take us quickly to see the face of Christ. St. John Paul II not only called the youth of the world to seek the face of Christ, but the whole Church: "We wish to see Jesus" (Jn. 12:21). In our consecration and living it, we put ourselves into the School of Mary's love and she will show us the face of Christ. We will, if you will, "learn" Christ from Mary, contemplating her memories, the mysteries of the Faith. We pray to Jesus in the heart of Mary, who knew Him and loved Him more than any other, allowing us to do the same. All of the above is the spiritual foundation of the MI Knight's interior life as expressed in his or her life. It is worth pondering these foundations Reflection on April MI Intention frequently as the life of prayer depends on this intimate relationship with Mary and her Son. That is life--"to know Christ Jesus." "Arise, let us be on our way." (To be continued)

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Thank you, Ron responded to the appeal for a administrative office, vehicle for the MI National workroom/meeting area, and Inmaculada! Center. May Our Lady kitchenette, storage space and perhaps a small chapel. Overnight reward them and our grateful accommodations on-site or very prayers accompany them! nearby, as well, would be ideal. If you or someone you know *** might have a property, a house or a building you are able to donate PERMANENT MI to the MI, we would like to NATIONAL OFFICE discuss such a tax-deductible gift BEING SOUGHT with you. Please call the MI National Office at (331) 223-5564 or email us at Now that the MI National has MINational settled into a temporary space at @MissionImmaculata.com. Santa Maria del Popolo Parish in Mundelein, Illinois, the MI For info about the MI Youth & National Council has discussed and determined some specific Young Adults visit: needs in terms of moving to a MIYouth.org permanent site. Placing our trust Listen to the MI Youth A deeply heartfelt in the Immaculata, following the Podcast on iTunes! Thank You example of St. Maximilian Kolbe, to our fellow MI members, the Council is seeking Check the MI official approximately 1,500 square feet of Ron and Immaculada, from Facebook page: Alabama, who generously space. That would allow for an Mission of the Immaculata

out our Ideal with heroic dedication!

SAVE THE DATE Centennial Celebrations & MI National Pilgrimage

West Coast MI NATIONAL PILGRIMAGE

Date: Saturday, August 12, 2017 TO ASSISI, SIENA AND ROME th Time: TBA with participation in the 100 Where: St. Christopher Parish Hall Anniversary International West Covina, CA Celebrations October 10-19, 2017 Three main MI Centenary

Celebrations will be held around East Coast Be part of this once-in-a-lifetime- Date: November 2017 the country, open to MI members event! Where: Philadelphia, PA (location and all Catholic faithful. Detailed Join the MI National President, John information will follow. TBA) Galten, and MI members from Midwest around the country! Date: Saturday, June 24, 2017 Plan to come, celebrate and Pilgrimage Chaplain: Fr. Stephen Time: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm rekindle your dedication to Our Boyle, O. Praem. Where: Santa Maria del Popolo Lady’s mission in the XXI Download brochure at Parish Center, Mundelein, IL century! MissionImmaculata.com and call TODAY 800-515-2632

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Who are the Knights at the Foot of the Cross?

The Knights at the Foot of the Cross (KFC) is an outreach within the MI movement, comprised of Catholics afflicted by the cross of suffering – physical, spiritual or emotional. As MI members, KFCs consecrate themselves to Mary. As did Mary at the Cross of her Son, they also participate in "redemptive suffering" (also called sacrificial or reparational suffering). Read on!

This means they offer some of their age-old question, “Why does God taking the place of another prisoner. daily prayers and trials to Jesus and allow human suffering?” The Church In this way, Maximilian became Mary, who apply these sufferings has always taught that physical pain, "another Christ," laying down his life where grace is needed most, such as mental distress, even minor for another. to convert hearts and save souls, to annoyances, are not meaningless but make amends for the sins of others, are meant to be put to valuable use. How Do I Join the KFC? and ultimately to bring about the As Jesus used the anguish of His If you are already an MI Member, you Kingdom of the Most Sacred Heart of Passion and the agony of Calvary to can join the KFC by registering at the Jesus. KFCs especially offer up their accomplish our salvation, so do our MI National Center–USA. Upon difficulties for the success of the Ml. sufferings have supernatural value filling out the online enrollment form, They thus become a special core when joined to His Cross. By you will receive the KFC certificate group or vanguard within the willingly accepting our struggles and and prayer book; recite the KFC movement. Though often unable to presenting them back to God as a consecration prayer and renew it actively evangelize because of "burnt offering” for the intentions of frequently. infirmity, nonetheless KFCs generate others, we cooperate with Christ and Not an MI Member yet? You can join untold graces as they link their become real participators in the the KFC with your enrollment in the sufferings with those of Christ. mystery of His saving act. MI. Please visit our website: Through the intercession of Mary, MissionImmaculata.com and read they offer up all to the Father as a Mary and Maximilian: Models of the sections on joining the MI. "sacrifice of praise.” Redemptive Suffering Consecrating yourself to Mary Mary Immaculate is a special model through the ideal of St. Maximilian Supernaturally, KFCs are perhaps the of redemptive suffering. Standing at will be one of the most important days most important members of the MI - a the Cross in interior distress, her soul of your life. You will be placing spiritual powerhouse. Envisioned "pierced by a sword" (Lk 2:35), she yourself under the protective mantle earlier by St. Maximilian Kolbe, the offered all to the Father in a silent, of Mary's care as the Immaculate KFC was founded May 31, 1983. On "Thy will be done." She invites us, Conception, Mother of the Church the feast of Mary's Visitation, sixteen- and strengthens us, to do the same and Comfort of the Afflicted. Through aged and sick Conventual Franciscan through our MI consecration as a total consecration you cooperate with friars, all MI members, decided to KFC. St. Maximilian Kolbe also is a Mary in the work of building up and make use of their ailments and model of redemptive suffering. renewing the Church. She will encourage others to do the same. Thus Imprisoned at the Auschwitz death enlighten and guide you and intercede a spiritual vanguard was formed: camp, Maximilian "emptied himself" for you before our Heavenly Father. individuals no longer isolated or for the Gospel (Phil 2:7). He shared You will share in the intercessory frustrated in sickness or agedness, his meager food and water with fellow prayers of MI members throughout working in solidarity for the prisoners while tending to their the world. You will also have the conversion of the entire world. spiritual needs. He persevered in support that comes from being a part charity toward his Nazi of an international movement of Theology of Redemptive Suffering captors though they singled him out spiritual renewal, including access to Sacrificial suffering is a rich Christian for special brutalities as a Catholic MI materials and online resources. faith expression, modeled after Christ priest. He willingly endured the Come, join our MI Family! Himself. It is a partial answer to the torture of the starvation bunker by ■ THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA – Issue 6 4

Mary, that never was it known that Our Tactics anyone who fled to thy protection, Official Act of Consecration was left unaided by thee.” First and to the Immaculata The following is an article (KW 1075), foremost, then, humble, confident, Composed by St. Maximilian Kolbe written by Fr. Maximilian for the November constant prayer. 1925 issue of the Rycerz Niepokalanej O Immaculata, Queen of Heaven and magazine. Interestingly, Our Lady’s young Second, mortification. Despite the earth, refuge of sinners and our most strategist had a clear plan of action for winning claims of Protestants, despite the loving Mother, God has willed to all hearts for Christ through her in the most vaunted, much celebrated, and entrust the entire order of mercy to effective way. distorte“d emphasis on “human you. I, (name), a repentant sinner, cast rights,” mortification is vital and myself at your feet humbly imploring Knight, Militia, Battle: these terms indispensable to all of us. For it is you to take me with all that I am and have a warlike ring to them, because through mortification that we obtain have, wholly to yourself as your they are associated with warfare. Not, divine grace. Like gold melting in a possession and property. Please make however, a war waged with rifles, crucible, the soul is purified through of me, of all my powers of soul and machine guns, rockets, airplanes, mortification and radiates its love; it body, of my whole life, death and poison gas. Yet a real and true war. becomes more God-like, more eternity, whatever most pleases you. What are some of its tactics? pleasing to Him, and thus better able If it pleases you, use all that I am and to receive more abundant graces for have without reserve, wholly to First and foremost, prayer. itself and its other poor brothers. In Unfortunately, to Catholics less accomplish what was said of you: "She fact, could genuine love for God ever will crush your head," and, "You alone educated about the work of perfecting exist without suffering?!… their souls, the very opposite often have destroyed all heresies in the world." Let me be a fit instrument in rings true. Work, action: that is what Finally, love for one’s neighbor. Loving your immaculate and merciful hands they believe the gist of their activity is one’s neighbor, not because he is for introducing and increasing your all about. However, it is not. “nice,” worthwhile, wealthy, glory to the maximum in all the many influential, or just because he is strayed and indifferent souls, and thus Prayer, prayer in particular, is the grateful. For such would be very petty help extend as far as possible the effective weapon in the struggle for reasons, unworthy of a male or female blessed kingdom of the most Sacred the freedom and happiness of souls. Knight of the Immaculata. Genuine Heart of Jesus. For wherever you love rises above the creature and enter, you obtain the grace of And why? plunges into God. In Him, for Him conversion and growth in holiness, and through Him it loves everyone, be since it is through your hands that all graces come to us from the most Because a supernatural goal may be they good or bad, friends or foes. Sacred Heart of Jesus. attained only by supernatural means. It offers a helping hand, full of love to

Heaven—the divinization of souls, so everyone; it prays for all, suffers for V. Allow me to praise you, to speak—is a supernatural reality in all, wishes good to all, wishes O sacred Virgin. the fullest sense of the word. happiness to all, because that is God’s Therefore, it cannot possibly be R. Give me strength against your will!… enemies. attained by natural means. What is indispensable here is also a Ultimately, the ones to prevail will be supernatural means, namely divine those who, with prayer to the grace, which is obtained through Immaculata on their lips or in the humble and trustful prayer. Grace, depths of their hearts, purified by and only grace, which enlightens the suffering and inflamed by a burning intellect and strengthens the will, is fire of love toward God, driven by this the cause of conversion, that is, the same love, do whatever is in their freeing of the soul from the bondage ability to win the greatest number of of evil. souls over to God through the But a prayer raised up to God through Immaculata, to free them from the the hands of the Immaculata cannot snares of evil and make them happy. possibly remain unanswered, as it is They, and only they will celebrate the said in the invocation of St. Bernard: triumph. Remember, O most gracious Virgin Fr. Maximilian M. Kolbe

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When Everything not seen any progress, while difficulties and setbacks attempted From the MI Seems to Fail… to extinguish enthusiasm. International Office Everything seemed to fail. The By Antonella Di Piazza, FKMI, death of two of the young co- National Coordinator founders and the worsening of

Maximilian’s TB, however, marked “For more than a year after that first IMPORTANT NOTICE the beginning of change. meeting, the MI made no progress. The MI began to flourish precisely In fact, all kinds of setbacks piled “The Militia of the Immaculata, thanks to this paschal journey of founded by St. Maximilian Kolbe, up, to the point that members were suffering and death, which gave rise has always been faithful and uncomfortable even mentioning it to an increasingly numerous obedient to the Roman Catholic among themselves. One of them response from people who chose to Church and the Holy Father. even tried to convince the others embrace its ideal of total dedication With great sadness we have come to that the MI was something useless. to Our Lady as instruments of love know of group that calls itself “It was then that, with wonderful in her immaculate hands. “Militia Immaculatae of the signs of election, the Immaculata During the past 100 years of life Traditional Observance,” connected summoned to her side Fr. Antoni and mission, the MI has to the Society of St. Pius X. We Głowiński, and ten days later, Br. experienced many times this disassociate ourselves from any of Antonio Mansi, both victims of the paschal journey of passion, death their manifestations and Spanish flu. As for me, the and resurrection in the footsteps of furthermore we are determined to condition of my lungs got worse: Our Lord Jesus Christ, both in the take legal action against anyone every time I coughed, I spat blood. lives of St. Maximilian and other who uses publicly the name of the That is when it all started to change. MI members, as well in various Militia of the Immaculata outside of Having been excused from school, I realities around the world. It is the association itself or without its took the opportunity to copy out actually a good sign! authorization. the ‘Program of MI’ and gave it to “Nothing great comes without pain –Fr. Raffaele Di Muro, the Most Rev. Fr. General, in order in God’s works. And could there MI International President” ever be too great a sacrifice, when it to obtain his blessing in writing. ‘If comes to the Immaculata? We are there were at least 12 of you…,’ said It should be noted that this group, consecrated to her not only in the Most Rev. Fr. General. He wrote first established in Warsaw in the theory, but actually, and in practice. his blessing and voiced his desire (I year 2000, uses a website, social And until we grow tired in our fight believe on that very occasion) that media and various publications to to conquer the world for the encourage people to enroll, but it the MI should be propagated among Immaculata, suffering will not cease does not represent the authentic our youth. Membership started to to come upon us. … But only until movement founded by St. increase, and has increased more our death. Then there will be the Maximilian and it is not approved and more ever since.” (KW 1278) resurrection. And even if (but that is by the Catholic Church. It should be impossible) the Immaculata were to also known that Pope Benedict XVI St. Maximilian himself continued give us no reward for this, yet we declared that, for doctrinal rather to recall the first steps of the would still consecrate ourselves to than disciplinary reasons, the Movement that later would spread her with fervor and enthusiasm Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) has no rapidly throughout Poland and in throughout our entire lives. For we canonical status in the Catholic other nations. But now he speaks of do not consecrate ourselves in view Church and because it lacks the time of gestation, the time of a reward, but solely for her.” canonical status, the ministries during which the grain of wheat has (KW 631). exercised by its ministers are not to die in order to become a full legitimate within the Church kernel and eventually bread (cf. Jn Let us be encouraged by this (cf. Pope Benedict XVI, Letter of 10 March 12:12-26). Maximilian helps us to supernatural perspective in order to 2009 to the Bishops of the Catholic Church recognize the Gospel logic at work. spend ourselves generously for this concerning the remission of the For more than one year the MI had excommunication of the four bishops great ideal! consecrated by Archbishop Lefebvre). ■ ■ THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA – Issue 6 6

behind these realities there is always times of the cross, the moments of Reflection on the the resurrection. If we don’t accept in passage from death to the April MI Intention us the Paschal Mystery we will not be resurrection. We cannot place O Immaculata please intercede good Christians. After verifying our ourselves in God’s hands and affirm that all those who take way of thinking it is important also to our will. Christ entrusts all of Himself examine the desire to be spiritually to the will of the Father. He adheres inspiration from St. Maximilian’s free and strong in tending to good, His will to that of the Father, which is witness may embrace the logic overcoming any unhealthy attachment more than simply entrusting oneself to of the Paschal Mystery. to ourselves and our views. It is the desires of another. The episode of

necessary to avoid the damage that Gethsemane is especially The mystery of the Paschal Triduum presumption can do to the heart and to enlightening. and that of our life should always engage ourselves in a continuous mirror each other. It would be illusory spiritual battle toward total In the course of discernment it is to want to eliminate the comparison abandonment in God. important to question our ability to between the journey of each one of us give of ourselves, not only mentally or and Jesus’ passage from death to life. The following expressions of Kolbe with the will. The small daily crosses The journey of Maximilian always are important. They are taken from a help us to conform ourselves to leans to the imitation of the mystery letter written to the friars of Mugenzai Christ, poor and crucified. These of Jesus, the sacrament of God’s love No Sono, in Japan, on December 1, crosses, if well-lived and welcomed, that manifests Himself to the poor and 1940: “In order to help us in activities may be bearers of an enormous humble. The Paschal Mystery can aimed at the good of souls, God spiritual growth. reveal itself in our small daily crosses. allows small crosses of various kinds, As a matter of fact, we are Christians dependent, or independent of the will Saint Maximilian, in the wake of not to seek glory. The comparison of of others, coming from an upright will Francis of Assisi, wished to walk the our life with Christ’s allows us to or not. It is an immense field of journey of the Paschal Triduum, that welcome His life in us and open countless sources of grace that is to be is, to enter into the dynamism of ourselves to the action of the Spirit so used. Sources of merits are, among resurrection by way of the cross. that we can imitate Christ in His others, the grief caused by other The martyr of Auschwitz faced every kenosis. people. In these cases we may indeed, suffering, in particular that of the

with blessed hope, repeat each time in concentration camp, according to this Father Kolbe knew this well. In a the ‘Our Father’: ‘Forgive us our reasoning. The cross is necessary for letter to the friars of Mugenzai No debts, as we forgive our debtors’ [Mt one’s sanctification, opening the way Sono dated April 9, 1933, he wrote: 6:12]. This prayer was taught to us by to the eternal happiness promised by “Dear children, let us remember that Jesus Himself. Therefore, complete Jesus to the just, and the pinnacle of love lives and is nourished by forgiveness of the sins others one’s journey in the following of sacrifices. Let us thank the committed against us suffices for us to Christ. The one who finds inspiration Immaculata for inner peace, for the be entitled to forgiveness for the sins with Kolbe cannot ignore his journey ecstasy of love, but let us not forget that we commit against God. What of suffering and of glory in Christ that all of that, though good and trouble would it be then, if we had Jesus. beautiful, is not the essence of love nothing to forgive, and what luck and love, indeed perfect love, may when, in the course of a day, we For Reflection even exist without all that. The happen to have many and more summit of love is the state in which serious matters to forgive. To be The way that Jesus calls us to, and Jesus came to find Himself on the honest, nature is appalled when faced that Kolbe fully lived, is acceptance of cross when He said: ‘My God, my with suffering and humiliation, yet in the Paschal Mystery in us. In our God, why have You forsaken me?’ the light of faith how necessary they journey as believers the continuous There is no love without sacrifice.” are to purify our souls and, therefore, passage from death to life is (KW 503). In this way even sufferings how agreeable they ought to be to us! necessary. The times of the “cross,” become positive and bearers of good. They contribute to bringing us closer lived individually or in community are

to God, and thus to greater efficacy in not to frighten us, because each is an It is important to identify our way of prayer, to more substantial missionary opportunity for growth in the light of thinking. The true life is that of the work!” (KW 925) It’s worth it, accepting the Paschal Mystery. Paschal Triduum of the Lord. Even in therefore, to pray to the Lord to obtain our life as disciples we will encounter (From the International MI Office; the grace to be free to welcome the misunderstandings and sorrow, but translated by Ann O’Donnell, FKMI)

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Remembering with Fifth Silent Marian Retreat Attention MI Members! By Donna Masek, gratitude MI member MI Village Moderator, West Haven, We look forward to hearing Alice Ann Rooney Utah from local groups/villages. O’Donnell Send news and pictures by the 20th of the month. Thank you!

***** The new MI brochure is now available! Request copies for your With over 50 people in apostolate from the attendance, the fifth annual MI National Center On March 7, 2017, Alice (born on silent Marian retreat entitled (see address on p. 8). February 20, 1928), entered eternal "One Hundred Years of History A donation to cover life. Widow of Richard, to whom she and Mission" at St. Mary shipping cost… welcomed! was married 56 years, mother of Catholic Church in West Haven, seven children, grandmother of 22 and great grandmother of 4, Alice was a Utah, successfully gave member of St. Christopher Parish, participants the opportunity to West Covina, CA, where she helped "be still and know that I am establish Eucharistic Adoration and God." Retreat master, Father was an active Legion of Mary Gregory Dick, O. Praem., member for 10 years, organized the invited participants to deepen rosary makers and countless other apostolates. Her profound love for their knowledge of the Holy Our Lady led her to discover St. Spirit and their knowledge of Maximilian and the MI. In 1977 she total consecration to the was instrumental in bringing the MI Immaculata in the spirit of St. Youth programs (known then as YMI) Maximilian Kolbe with four to the West Coast and led its summer month-long program for 16 years, talks interspersed between after which she remained active in the various periods of prayer which MI locally and through prayer. included adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament and the “Alice O’Donnell led us to St. singing of the Chaplet of Divine Maximilian, who led us to Our Lady, Mercy. We look forward to the who leads us to the Holy Eucharist, our pledge of eternal life…she led me Spanish Community's to the Holy Eucharist within the Consecration Rite on the Feast Immaculate Heart of Mary. She gave of the Annunciation, March those two gifts to so many of us,” Fr. 25th. Joseph Illo stated during his funeral homily.

Our MI Family entrusts Alice to the Lord, certain that those who belong to the Immaculata will enjoy one day the fullness of Life.

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Prayer for the MI Centenary Year

Into Your Hands, Immaculate Virgin!

May you be praised, Immaculate Virgin! May our MI apostolate radiate to our You have been the light and soul of the brothers and sisters the mercy of God MI during the first one hundred years of reflected also in your tender care toward its life. In order to follow Christ each person. faithfully, like St. Maximilian, we have We shall let ourselves be led by you, most contemplated your splendid virtues. sweet Mother, certain that with your In you we have found the strength to love protection we will live according to and have brought the charity of your Son God’s will. May the MI centenary year everywhere. You still are our consolation spur us on to be valiant apostles of God’s in the trials of our lives. You are our light Kingdom and to experience your support in our work of evangelization. You are in our ecclesial mission. O Immaculata, our strength in our journey of faith, we let ourselves be led by you! Amen. communion with the Lord and discipleship. Check regularly the MI website Into your hands we place again today the journey of the MI present throughout the MissionImmaculata.com world, so that it may bring to all people for updates about the MI Centenary Year. the love of the Lord and the beauty of Find reflections, the lyrics and music of the your compassionate and maternal theme song, special events and more! presence.

“If you love the Immaculata, if your heart burns with gratitude to her, offer your contribution to this work, according to your capabilities! It is worth making such an effort! The Immaculata will not forget it! May all MI Knights be zealous in winning the world over to the Immaculata!”

St. Maximilian Kolbe