July 2021 ISSUE 57 The Mission of the IE-Publicationmmaculata of the Militia of the Immaculata, USA The Sacrament of Divine Love - PAGE 3

St. Max and His Friends - PAGE 7

Open Letter from a Father - PAGE 10

The Vital Center of Our Call By John W. Galten, MI National President Dear Knights of the Immaculata, Maria! For this month’s consideration, I want to look back in order to look forward… all this in the light of the 80th anni- versary of St. Maximilian’s martyrdom. In June, we celebrated the Solemnity of the Most of Jesus, a feast dear to the Church, to St. Maximilian, and to every Knight of the Immac- ulata who has pondered his or her Total Consecration prayer. In the Seraphic College, where St. Maximilian studied for the priesthood and founded the MI, there is a large picture of the Sacred Heart revealing the secrets of His Heart to “Through Mary Immaculate to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and a small St. Francis hovering in the background. The Sacred Heart had given St. Francis as a spiritual guide to her. Jesus: that is our watchword. We can suppose that our founder meditated on this picture in light of this The more you spread veneration question, “Who are you, O ?” Perhaps he saw concretely at that moment the connection between the Immaculata, her Spouse the Holy and love for the Immaculata Spirit, and the spread of the Kingdom of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. If so, because he saw it, we are the Knights of the Immaculata and must see this as the more souls you win over the vital center of our vocation to lead all to this Heart through the . to her, and, through her, to the When Our Lord revealed Himself to St. Margaret Mary in 1674, He confided Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, to her and to the Church the following “secret”: “My divine Heart is so passion- ately fond of the human race, and of you in particular, that It cannot keep back who loved us unto death on the the pent-up flames of its burning any longer. They must burst through you and reveal My Heart to the world, so as to enrich mankind with My precious C r o s s .” treasure.” –St. (continues on pg. 2)

THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 57 © Militia of the Immaculata 1 Invite Friends to Be Consecrated to Our Lady! Editorial

Also in the context of St. Margaret Mary, the Sacred Heart, to answer her fearfulness and lack of self confidence, gave her St. as spiri- tual guide for her soul. Is this not an astounding coincidence that a humble Franciscan in 1917 should bene- Year of St. fit from these prior revelations? As we observe this special year dedicated We can gain enormous confidence Behold Your Mother! to St. Joseph, we are encouraged to imitate in the abundant fruits that flowered in his unconditional fidelity to God and to ask The Path to Total Consecration the soul of St. Maximilian and through his powerful intercession. The following to Our Lady in the Spirit of him and the Immaculata to carry on prayer might be useful: St. Maximilian Kolbe the work of drawing all men to the Kingdom of the Most Sacred Heart of Joseph, strong and gentle , This beautiful 56-page booklet may be Jesus. Through her who makes easy dear to God and His faithful shadow, used individually or as a group activity (in a remember me in all home or parish setting, for example), or as a and quick the road to union with this my spiritual and material needs. series of classes led by a facilitator, or during a inestimable Furnace of Divine Love, Be my advocate before the Father. day of preparation for MI consecration to Our let us rejoice and be glad that we have To you I bring my heart and soul Lady. If you can offer a series of meetings, you been chosen to be the knightly bearers and all my longings. can read each chapter with the group and in- of this Good News. Sanctify them with your burning faith, vite the participants to reflect and comment your unfaltering hope, and with that great, on it. Alternatively, you can invite them to Before I end, please remember in read each chapter beforehand and come to- self-sacrificing love that was the secret of your prayers, the soul of Bianca Wick, gether for discussion. your hidden sanctity. beloved wife of our US MI Vice Pres- Many people have expressed the desire Christ was your peace: give Him to my to promote total consecration to Mary in ident Wick, who went to her heart, then by His light I will see the way heavenly reward on May 26, 2021. Pray their parish and local area. The Path to Total that I must walk to stay with Him. Consecration offers you an effective tool for for her, Michael, and her whole Give me the courage not to turn back making that possible! that they be consoled in their grief and because of darkness, sorrow, or sufferings. Now available in audio book form. hope that Bianca, who was totally con- Teach me the joy of loving God’s Will, and The suggested donation for multi- secrated to the Immaculata, may be help me to live, as you have done, within its ple copies of the booklet is $1.00/ea. plus calm and peaceful depths. escorted by her to her Son’s Heart and shipping; for a single copy, the suggest- Amen. ed donation is $3.75 shipping included. eternal union with the Trinity! May she rest in peace! New! Order Today! Last, after long consideration,this MI-USA newsletter as of next August will be known as The Knight of the Im- maculata. It was the wish of St. Maxi- milian that the official newsletter of the Daily Holy Mass MI should be known by this title. Next will be offered throughout 2021 for the year is the 100th anniversary year that MI-USA and all MI Members, living and St. Maximilian founded The Knight of deceased, at the City of the Immaculata the Immaculata in . May she be established by St. Maximilian Kolbe near praised and magnified by this change. , in Poland. St. Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us! Send your prayer intentions to be placed As always, until next month, in the MI Book of Intentions at the Order copies of both today from the “Arise, let us be on our way.” feet of Our Lady and St. Maximilian Kolbe’s MI National Office: John W. Galten first class : [email protected] MI National President [email protected] Or call: 331-223-5564

THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 57 © Militia of the Immaculata 2 The Eucharist and the Mary The Eucharist and the risen Christ The all-encompassing effect of Eucha- ristic worship Spirituality and Eucharistic culture The Eucharist and the evangelization of cultures The Eucharist and the lay faithful The Eucharist and priestly spirituality The Eucharist and the consecrated life The Eucharist and moral transforma- tion Eucharistic consistency The Eucharist and mission The Sacrament of Divine Love The Eucharist and… This Corpus Christi homily by Fr. Pio Maria, C.F.R., M.I., provides a providential So much to say! So whatever we say, summary of Catholic teaching on the Most Holy Eucharist. again, is just scratching the surface. But we have to say something. Today we are here for this amaz- just be scratching the surface. So it is So this is an amazing gift. An amaz- ing feast, which is why there are more a hard thing to preach about. There ing gift. We see it foreshadowed in the smells and bells and praying in for- is just so much to say. The Eucharist Old Testament, in the preparations eign tongues – a lot more Latin – than touches every part of our life. that we sang about in the sequence. usual. They (the chapel congrega- Just to give you an example of the There was the manna that God pro- tion) have this sequence in Latin and different avenues a priest could go vided for His people on their way to English, so they didn’t get too tired down, Benedict wrote a letter the Promised Land. In this world now, [during the chanting of the Latin se- called Sacramentum Caritatis, “The He gives us Himself as the true man- quence]. We are swimming through Sacrament of Charity.” I recommend na that we need on our way to heaven. beautiful things. It is so wonderful. We that everyone read it. It is on the Holy There was the Passover banquet, and are the recipients of so many years of Eucharist, the gift of the Eucharist. It is He gives Himself as the Passover sac- meditation, recollection, and beauty – broken up into three parts: a mystery rifice. Part of the Passover celebration the Catholic response to the gift of the to be believed (the revelation of the was eating the flesh of the lamb offered Eucharist. We are in this interesting Blessed Sacrament in the Scriptures), a for our deliverance. So He has become season where we have solemnity after mystery to be celebrated (about proper our banquet. solemnity after solemnity. We had As- liturgical reverence), and then a mys- On the night before He died, he cension, then Pentecost, then Trinity tery to be lived (the Eucharistic form instituted the Holy Eucharist, as we Sunday, now we have Corpus Christi, of life). So these are just some titles heard in today’s Gospel. In year A we we will soon have the Sacred Heart… of sections in that letter that we could hear from John 6 and in Year C we whew! Marvelous! “What a way to go!” talk about: hear about the multiplication of the What to say about the Blessed Sacra- The Eucharist, causal principle of the loaves and fish. (To prepare them for ment? We had a week of John 6 during Church the Eucharist, our Lord said, “Look Easter. We talked about the institu- The Eucharist and ecclesial commu- what I can do with bread. Wait till you tion of the Holy Eucharist at the Holy nion see what I can do with this [Eucharis- Thursday Mass. Now we have a feast The Eucharist and the Sacraments tic] bread.”) This year we have the Last just for the Body and Blood of Christ. The Eucharist and priestly celibacy Supper, for Year B. The Sacrament of sacraments…. The The Eucharist and matrimony Our Lord, sitting down with His source and summit of our faith…. It’s The Eucharist, a nuptial sacrament apostles, looking toward the Cross, the object to which all the other sac- The Eucharist and the unicity of mar- celebrates the Passover. He completes raments tend. It’s our taste of heaven- riage all the Old Testament worship in Him- ly union with God on this earth. It is The Eucharist and the indissolubility self and says, “There were other me- so much more than we could say in of marriage morials, but I want this to be my Me- words, and anything I say today will The Eucharist and Eschatology (continues on pg. 4)

THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 57 © Militia of the Immaculata 3 (continued from pg. 3) so tenderly, You came down from the wasn’t enough to die for me. It wasn’t morial. The offering of the Church is purest delights of heaven to this tar- enough just to redeem me twenty cen- the offering of my Body and Blood.” nished and tear-ridden world, You turies ago. His love wants to continue So even before the Cross, He antici- lived amidst poverty, hard work and to mix Himself up with us, to be our pates it. Pope Benedict liked to say that suffering; and finally, despised and food, and to be present. Our Lord, He transformed the Passion ahead of mocked, You let Yourself be suspended before He left, said, “I am with you al- time. Before it came, He had already in torment on a vile scaffold between ways until the end of the ages.” This [in “transformed it from within.” So when two criminals.... Oh God of love, You the Blessed Sacrament] is a very spe- it does come, it comes as saving sacri- have redeemed me in this terrible, cial way that He is present. Our Lord is fice. He says, “I am giving you my body though generous, fashion! ... here present in every church. In every and blood. I am willingly entering into “Who would venture to imagine it? where there is a priest this, and any time you gather and you “Yet, You were not satisfied with who makes the consecration, Jesus is celebrate my Body and Blood, you will this, You knew that no fewer than here waiting. receive the benefits of when I offer my nineteen centuries would still have to St. Augustine said, “God… in His Body and Blood.” For the Jews, sepa- pass from the moment You poured out all-powerfulness, there is nothing rating body from blood means death. these demonstrations of Your love to greater that He could give than Him- “I give you my Body and Blood. I am the time I was to be born, so You de- self. In His wisdom, He could not laying down my life for you. And I am cided to take care of this too! think of anything better to give than giving you my Body and Blood as a “Your Heart did not consent to let Himself. In his riches, there was noth- saving sacrifice.” my only nourishment be the memo- ing greater to give than Himself.” To put our finger on the beauty of This is the Body and Blood of this Sacrament that He left us at the Christ. My goodness! He has become Last Supper, I want to read what St. our food. And this idea of manna – Maximilian Kolbe wrote about how this is the manna we need as we are this Sacrament stretches God’s love to making our way through the desert. the limits (see KW 1145). God’s love is It’s our food for the journey. You know so great that it came up with this Sac- the story of . Elijah is so tired. He rament to show the fullness of his love. is persecuted, and he lies down. He is “Who would dare to imagine that just feeling all the weight of his mis- You, oh infinite, eternal God, have sion. And the angel wakes him up and loved me for centuries, or to be more says, “Eat.” And there is some bread precise, from before the beginning of there. “If you don’t eat, you won’t be the centuries? [God has always thought strong enough.” And he ate this food, about Father Pio Maria! I was always and he had strength to continue on. in His mind. (And y’all, too! :) So He The Eucharist is our manna, it is our has thought about us for centuries, and ries of Your boundless love. You have food for the journey, it is our celebra- even from before centuries.] remained on this forlorn planet in the tion. “In fact, you have loved me ever holiest and most admirable Sacrament There is something very special, since you have existed as God; thus, of the altar, and now You come to me very symbolic, very physical, very hu- you have always loved me and you shall and You closely unite Yourself to me man about the sacraments. The sac- always love me! ... Your love for me was under the appearance of food.... raments are supposed to speak to us already there, even when I had no exis- “Now Your Blood flows in my on a spiritual level and on the level of tence, and precisely because You loved blood; Your Soul, oh God incarnate, sense and symbol. Every sacrament is me, oh good God, You called me from permeates my soul, giving it strength this physical, spiritual thing. God uses nothingness to existence! ... For me and nourishment.... something physical to do something you have created the skies scattered “What wonders! Who would ven- spiritual. In Baptism, the physical with stars, for me the earth, the seas, ture to think this could be possible?” water touches me, and I’m spiritually the mountains, the streams, and all the So this is the Sacrament of God’s washed. There is a spiritual thing con- beautiful things on earth.... charity. Kolbe says that it just wasn’t nected to the physical. There is a physi- “Still, this did not satisfy You: to enough for Him to create the world for cal washing, and a spiritual washing. In show me close up that You loved me me. It wasn’t enough to take flesh. It (continues on pg. 5)

THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 57 © Militia of the Immaculata 4 He has become our food; He has “What do you think about that?” become our strength; He has become “That’s great! So much more than a our nourishment; the “bread of life, lot of other people!” There are parts of the cup of salvation.” He is the “living the world that don’t have the benefit of bread.” Remember John 6? “I am the daily Mass. In this city we could pick a bread that gives life to the world, the church and go to three or four masses bread that comes down, the bread of each day. But some people only have God, the living bread, the bread that Mass three times a year. In some places is alive.” He has all those titles. Living it’s always hidden, always secret. I re- bread. He says that “if you eat of me, call Cardinal Nguyen The Sacrament of you will have my life. Whoever eats Van Thuan, the archbishop in my flesh, has eternal life now.” As St. who was locked up for thirteen years. Divine Love Ignatius called it, this is the medicine He had secret Masses with two drops (continued from pg. 4) of immortality. When we eat this bread of wine, a piece of bread, and one drop Confirmation, along with the physical of life, it gives us even now eternal life. of water in his hand. There are still anointing with oil is the permeation of We live from his life. priests doing that all over the world. our souls by the Holy Spirit. Every sac- It is a bread which transforms us. There are priests in Vietnam who were rament is a physical, spiritual thing. In St. Augustine spoke of the transform- locked up, who would keep the Bless- the Eucharist there are physical things ing power of the Eucharist. “With oth- ed Sacrament in their shirt pocket in which are meant to speak to us. We er foods, when you eat they are trans- foil from a pack of cigarettes, and then have the bread and wine. This [raised in formed into yourself. They become one during their work breaks, they would the priest’s hand] is the host that I will with your body. But this is a different hang this shirt with the Blessed Sacra- consecrate today. Bread is supposed to food. When we eat this food, we are ment in the pocket from a tree, and the speak to us about something He does transformed into it.” When we receive faithful would act like they were rest- in the Eucharist, and wine is supposed Holy Communion, this transforms us ing, but they were really adoring the to speak to us about something that into Christ. This is our transforming Blessed Sacrament. All these things He is for us. Choosing to use bread food. It is our bread of life, and our that some of our brothers and sisters and wine is supposed to speak to us. transforming food. go through to find the Blessed Sacra- Bread – your most essential nourish- It is the Sacrament of unity and ment, and here we have it so easily. ment. “I am your food. You live off of charity. The early Christians saw that So we are united today with all these me. I want to be that which you live off every host is made up of many grains. people who don’t have the benefit of of. I am that which feeds your hunger. St. Paul says that because we eat of the such easy access to our most essential I am that which you need the most.” So one loaf, we have become one. It is also nourishment. Sacrament of unity; Sac- that is supposed to speak to us. He has the sacrament of unity. Every time we rament of charity. become our food. He has become our receive Communion, we are united It is a nuptial sacrament. Pope Ben- essential nourishment. We hunger for with all the baptized, every person, edict and St. John Paul II liked to say Him. He makes Himself present under all over the world. It is a Sacrament that this sacrament is a spousal sac- the appearance of bread. And wine – of unity, unity with God and with all rament. It is the sacrament of Bride- wine is celebration. It is simply joy. It the baptized. Every time we receive groom and Bride. Christ is the Bride- is banquet. God says, “I am your joy. Communion, there is a unity with all groom, and the Bride is the Church. In I am your celebration. I am your party. the baptized which is stronger than the Sacramentum Caritatis [no. 27], Pope I want to be everything for you. I will union we have with our from Benedict quoted John Paul II in this satisfy your hunger, and I will be your blood. We are united in the Body of regards. joy.” Psalm 23 says that He spreads a ta- Christ. And we have obligations to- We’ll end with the words of our Holy ble in our sight, and the cup overflows. ward everyone. I think especially about Father St. Francis. “Look at the humili- One of the Greek translations says, (every day I think about China). ty of God; [and when He comes,] hold “your inebriating chalice” instead of You know I have been to China a back nothing of yourself for yourself, “your overflowing chalice.” He makes few times. In one village, they hadn’t so that [when He comes to you,] He us drunk with His love in the Body and had a priest live there for twenty years. who gives Himself to you totally is able Blood, under the appearance of bread I asked some people, “How often do to receive you [also] totally.” and wine. you have Mass?” “Three times a year.” Fr. Pio Maria, C.F.R., M.I.

THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 57 © Militia of the Immaculata 5 St. Maximilian’s life now moves See and Share rather quickly to its end and fulfill- ment in martyrdom as offered by the the MI Film! Immaculata and his choice. His char- acter now blooms into the fullest di- mensions of a saintly charity. In the cauldron of hatred known as Aus- chwitz he blazes with divine charity in his priestly heart.

Chapter 13: Auschwitz 1. The chapter begins with a quote from Kolbe on the true potential of ev- ery human person, “No one’s conver- This important sion is impossible.” He asked prayers short film beautifully for the heartless guards. Can we dare and eloquently ask for this gift of evangelistic charity? 2. See pg. 173: A fellow prisoner drew captures the essence of the MI: courage from the presence of Fr. Kolbe, total consecration calling him a “real man, a fighter—a to the Immaculata fighter for the truth.” How are we today in the evangelical spirit to console our brothers and sisters by of St. Maximilian Kolbe. being fighters for the truth? Chapter 14: Some of His Friends "Simply excellent!" A Man for Others 1. A prisoner remarked, “Each of us thought only of this: To live! Nobody "Inspirational!" A Study Guide interested himself in his neighbor.” Is there evidence for this in our culture? Share the link Where do you see it? What can we do The year 2021 has been declared by about it? What did St. Maximilian do http://militiaoftheimmaculata. the MI International Council as the about it in Auschwitz? com/mi-movie/ Celebration of the 80th Anniversary 2. A prisoner confronted by a brutally with your family and friends of St. Maximilian’s martyrdom at Aus- tortured corpse froze and was threat- and promote the new film chwitz on August 14, 1941. The MI- ened by a guard with a beating. A voice by posting on your favorite USA is calling all members to recog- said to him calmly, “Let’s pick him up, nize this heroic act by reading/studying my brother.” Guess who? Are we al- social media platform! the book A Man for Others by Patricia ways ready to help? Treece, a beautiful and sensitive intro- 3. St. Maximilian utters perhaps one of Let's reach duction to the Saint’s life through the his most treasured quotes consoling a as many people words of those who knew him. fellow prisoner: “Hate is not creative, as possible This book can be ordered through only love is creative.” What do you the Marytown Bookstore. MI member think of this principle? Can we live it? to win the world for Christ may receive a 20% discount when or- 4. So many survivors of Auschwitz sur- through the Immaculata! dering it online with the code MI2021. vived because Kolbe encouraged them. Please order the book and follow Why is encouragement important? along with your fellow MIs by using 5. Prisoners remarked that St. Maxi- the study questions that are listed be- milian was a man of prayer—hence, he low and that will appear in the news- was also serene and at peace. What is letter until August 14, 2021. the connection? To prepare, read pages 163-211. John W. Galten

THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 57 © Militia of the Immaculata 6 St. Max and His Friends

At Niepokalanów Maximilian Kolbe had tried to build “a school for .” Koscielniak's He said, “Put yourself under the protec- testimony indicates that at Auschwitz he did the same: tion of the Immaculata. I’ll pray. She’ll help Although it could have cost him his life or severe beatings, he courageously gathered us secretly y ou .” Inspired by the faith he had in Mary’s together almost every day through June and July in order to instruct us. His words meant a intercession with God, I began. Although I was great deal to us as he spoke with great faith about the saint whose feast was that day and what had scrupulously searched by the SS man at the happened to him or her. He spoke with special ardor of the who had sacrificed themselves gate, somehow he found nothing. I told Father totally for God’s cause. I particularly recall his fervent invitation on Pentecost to persevere and not Maximilian, who said, “Trust in the Immac- grow disheartened as he assured us that, although not all would survive, all of us would conquer. ulata and she will help you like this more Henry Sienkiewicz was the younger man who slept next to Kolbe when the priest first than once.” arrived in Auschwitz. Sienkiewicz, even after Kolbe was in other Blocks and work squads, never let a day go by without seeing his friend. He remembers visiting him in the hospital and noting (Excerpts from A without surprise that, “Father had won all hearts.” He also recalls that Kolbe, who showed Man for Others. With such tender concern for the sick at Niepokalanów, Marytown Press permission). said he was grateful to God to be in the hospital because the sick need prayers and comforting. He did not mention the terrible beating he had suffered to get there. Henry says: Living day after day as he did hand in hand with God, he seemed to have inside him a kind of [spiritual] magnet by which he attracted us to himself, to God, and to Our Lady. He kept insisting that God is good and merciful. He would have liked to convert the entire camp–-in- cluding the Nazis. Not only did he pray for them, he exhorted us to pray for their conver- sion. I remember how he gave his own wooden shoes, which were still in good condition, to another prisoner, taking that fellow’s worn clogs for himself.

Since I was going to do heavy labor, that morning before I left Father Maximilian handed me what was about a quarter of his daily bread ration. I knew that he had been badly beaten and was exhausted, so I was astonished and didn’t want to take it. Father Maximilian literally held me and insisted, “You must take it. You’re going to do hard labor and you’re hungry.” I took it reluctantly, with sorrow, for I knew he would get nothing more until evening. If I was able to hold out and emerge alive, if I kept my faith and didn't fall into despair, I owe it all to Father Maximilian. When I was close to despair and ready to throw myself on the wires, he was the one who gave me new courage and told me I would be victorious and get out alive. “ keep relying on the intercession of the Mother of G o d ,” he urged. Somehow, he infused in me a strong faith and lively hope, especially in her motherly protection.

Twice he heard my confession. I go to confession frequently, but I often tell my wife that I have never in all my life found another confessor so kind as Father Maximilian. He himself was never discouraged but always the same—friendly, open and sincere, and calm. At this time I was transferred to a squad that worked outside the camp with some non-prisoners. I won the trust of some of these people and they began giving me things for us prisoners. I smuggled in 400 marks and 30 religious medals they gave me, and brought them to Father Maximilian. He blessed the medals and distributed them. Another time a woman got some hosts for me, which I brought in by hiding them in a can. I gave them to Father and he celebrated Mass twice with great secrecy in between the Blocks. About thirty of us attended and received communion from his hands. He could have been pun- ished with death for this. My friends outside were willing to give foodstuffs as well. I confided to Father Maximilian that, although I would like to bring in food, I was very much afraid of the meticulous inspections.

THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 57 © Militia of the Immaculata 7 ly getting close to the souls through courses of spiritual exercises, missions, conferences, and confessions, to orga- nize and visit the MI-2, and upon their return know better what and in what way they should write in that partic- ular moment for that particular coun- try and region. Moreover, they will become capable of penetrating hearts with more vitality through the living word. On the other hand, in order to unite I others to the Immaculata, they must St. Maximilian Writes... themselves do their utmost to unite The following is one of the many visionary letters addressed their own will ever more closely to to his close collaborators concerning the MI (KW 382). hers, that is to the Will of divine mer- cy, that is the desire of the Most Sacred Regarding the cause of the MI: I suitable to the different social classes, Heart of Jesus. do not have a clear idea of the partic- states, and social conditions. And the Therefore, after having gone out- ulars, but it seems to me that in each characteristic that should fill all of this side of the sacred fence of Niepoka- nation a Niepokalanόw must arise, in is: “through the Immaculata”; while lanόw, they will be attracted back to it which and through which the Immac- the aim is to conquer the whole world as iron to a magnet, and upon finish- ulata shall operate with every means, and every single soul for the Immac- ing the work they will find refuge there including the most modern, because ulata, and through her, for the Most to purify themselves from the dust of inventions should serve her foremost Sacred Heart of Jesus. Seeing as, with- the world, treat the scratches received and subsequently commerce, indus- out wanting to, I have started chatter- among the thorns and “in a secluded try, sports, etc. (therefore the printing ing, then I will add something else, the place” [Lk 9:10], to draw again from and now—why not?—even the radio more so as we are also in the novena of the spirit and energy for subsequent broadcasts, films, and generally every- the Immaculate Conception. sorties. thing that in whatever time can still be The printed word, or the word Moreover, the brothers will swarm invented to illuminate the minds and transmitted through radio waves, or everywhere with the press and the enflame the hearts). Such a Niepo- the images reproduced in print or medals, according to the needs of the kalanόw itself could devise the most transmitted through radiophonic tele- particular regions of the nation, but modern and efficient means and uti- vision, or the cinema, or other means, with their thoughts always turned lize them. all of this is much; but it is still not all to Niepokalanόw, where they will This, in regard to the natural means. that is possible to teach each and every burn with joy, in humble obedience, Oh! It seems to me that next to Ry- one singularly who the Immaculata through the fire of love, the little stains cerz (for all) and Rycerzyk for children, is, to ignite love for her and above all contracted during their travels among with time other periodical publica- tolight this essential love, one not so the lay people. tions will deploy to combat (dailies, much of sentiment but, above all, of In this way the Immaculata herself weeklies, monthlies and cultural quar- the will that unites with the Will of the will take further possession everyday terlies), as well as publications that are Immaculata, just as she united her Will of every soul consecrated to her at not periodicals (brochures, books), to closely to the Will of God, to the Heart Niepokalanόw and through us will en- discuss some questions more broadly. of God… ter into the other souls to purify them, Furthermore, for the particular regions It is essential, it seems to me, that make them beautiful and introduce Je- of a nation (according to necessity) we these workers of the pen, of the micro- sus into them. could print some supplements or spe- phone, the screen, or whatever other But perhaps I am rattling on too cial editions. All of this constitutes a means, disperse outside of the confines much. Anyway, it remains so. Being true apostolate of the written word, of Niepokalanόw and travel, personal- (continues on pg. 9) THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 57 © Militia of the Immaculata 8 And they will strive, above all, to revealed the , will (continued from pg. 8) consolidate their will with that of the come true, that the Immaculata would that we must conquer the entire world Immaculata, or rather to love her as ar- become “the Queen of the whole world and every single soul and keep watch dently as possible and then to light this and of each person individually.” so that no one in the future can take fire around themselves, each accord- And it also seems to me that all the the Immaculata’s banner from the ing to their means, not only privately, Niepokalanόws of every single nation souls that there are now and that will each individually, but also “socialiter,” willbuild a strongly compact unity, one be in the future, it is clear that an orga- together searching for the means to world army fighting nonstop until the nization will also be necessary. There- reach each goal, examining the results end of time against him about whom it fore I imagine that eventually there and improving based on experience, has been said that, although “she will will no longer be a soul anywhere that methods of action, so that as soon strike at your head,” “you strike at his does not wear the Miraculous Medal as possible the Immaculata, through heel” [cf. Gn 3:15]. Therefore, until the around their neck and does not belong them, may conquer the hearts of all end of time, he will not stop tempting, to the MI-1 (according to the registra- those over whom they may exercise hindering, making every effort, and tion card). Moreover, an MI-2 group any influence. The instructions, the fighting, but only within the limits will spring up in every location, less guidelines, the visits, the help they will allowed him by the Immaculata, that numerous than they are zealous, or receive from Niepokalanόw, where is as much as necessary for us to gain perhaps different groups—according there will be a sufficient number of fa- the merits in victories that are always to the differences in social classes, con- thers to serve all the locations of a par- certain, if we fight with her, under her ditions, and circumstances—whose ticular nation. banner, through her, for her, and in aim it will be to carry out, as much as The heresies will then be extin- her. possible, that which we accomplish at guished, the schisms, and the hardened I apologize, but perhaps I have Niepokalanόw, without placing any re- sinners will return to God through the blathered on too much. strictions due to the fact that we conse- Immaculata, to His loving Heart; all Oremus ad invicem. crate our whole lives exclusively to this the pagans will be baptized and the Br. Maximilian work, whereas they also have other prediction of the blessed Catherine truly weak and silly honest and permissible goals. Laboure, to whom the Immaculata She alone, however, will do all this.

THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 57 © Militia of the Immaculata 9 Fear of the Lord is actually a Gift of the Holy Spirit. All throughout Scrip- tures we are told that we ought to have a holy, profound reverence toward God the Father. Proverbs 1:7 tells us that the Gifts of Wisdom, Knowledge and Pru- dence begin with Fear of the Lord. This is the kind of fear that causes each of us to be afraid of behaving outside the parameters of what God the Father has designated as “right order” for humans to live in happiness and peace. When we make the Act of Con- An Open Letter from a Father to His Children trition we acknowledge that we are by Joseph Cascone, MI Village Moderator “heartily sorry” for our sins because we “dread the loss of heaven and the What is fatherhood? Fatherhood ly. The family is the domestic Church. pains of hell,” but “most of all because has been instituted by God since the The family is designed by God to have we have offended Thee, who are all beginning of human history. It is de- the father as the spiritual and moral good, and deserving of ALL our love.” signed for, and a result from generat- leader. Children should have a healthy holy ing, creating other human children of All holy aspects of fatherhood fear of hurting or disrespecting their God, out of the love between the man are direct reflections of the holiness fathers, because fathers love their chil- and his wife, the mother. of God the Father. Jesus constantly re- dren so deeply and unconditionally. So fatherhood, is a direct result ferred to, and deferred to God as His Fathers love their children [and from God’s institution of marriage, Father. Jesus taught us to call out to His wives in every one of these next few from procreation with God and wife, Father, because God is our own Father qualities of fatherhood] so profoundly or from the act of adoption of a child. by adoption. Jesus taught us to call that their first nature is to protect their Both marriage and adoption are with God the Father, “Abba.” children, even if it means the highest the wife and out of love. Love creates What do Scriptures reveal about form of sacrifice. A good father will and generates. Fatherhood is love, and the nature of God the Father? The Bi- defend, protect, fight for, and even die creative of more human children of ble is God’s Word and reveals God to for his children. Fathers protect! God. us. In Scriptures we learn that God the Fathers will sacrifice and work Fatherhood is a reflection of God Father deserves a holy fear; that the Fa- very hard to provide the necessities as Father, and that is why it is creative. ther is Protector, Provider and Guide for their children. God works for the But it actually blooms more fully as the who gives His children direction, ad- good of His children. All of heaven fol- children grow and mature. Fatherhood vice and the chance to make good deci- lows the Father’s lead in working for rears the children of God. The role of sions with the free will He gives them. (continues on pg. 11) father is most compatible with the role of husband. Both require leadership in the home, and set the tone for behavior for all members of the family, to act as God’s children. Just as Jesus established a Church that is to be led by spiritual leaders, God established the family to be led by a spiritual leader. Both are to be led by men, spiritually-speaking. Men had been set as leaders of the universal Church, by Jesus. Masculinity involves leadership, naturally and supernatural-

THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 57 © Militia of the Immaculata 10 be the one to show the example of prayer “on bended knee,” reverence (fear of the Lord) and closeness to the One that can bring fulfillment, whole- ness and happiness/peace in life for every family member. Spiritual lead- ership is the protecting, providential and guiding light that everyone in the family needs. It is the responsibility of the father to be spiritual leader! A man will be judged, ultimately by his behavior in his marriage, and by the way he was a dad to his chil- dren. He will be judged only thirdly on how he behaved toward the rest of his “neighbors,” such as other family An Open Letter from a Father to His Children members, employees/co-workers, ac- quaintances and strangers. Just as human dads are commis- (continued from pg. 10) to the people they love. Whether be- sioned with obligations/responsibil- the [human] children of God. When havior is the misuse of drugs, or the ities to have the fatherly attributes of fell, he was told by God that he misuse of the gift of sexuality, fathers God the Father, human families are would have to leave paradise and work are to lead their children to peace and supposed to resemble the relation- in the field and by the sweat of his happiness in God’s eyes. How does a ship that is in the Holy Trinity. Our brow, provide for his family. Jesus asks human father know God’s will? He de- God is Three in One and God isin - us, “What father among you would, velops a deep relationship with each of finite loving relationship. Marriage, when asked for bread from his child, the Three Divine Persons in the Holy the conjugal couple, and the children would hand his child a rock?” Jesus Trinity. A human father prays con- they generate from the love they have continues, “And if you fathers who do stantly to dwell in God and have God between each other and to/from God evil, would not fail to provide for your dwell in his own heart. the Trinity, is designed to consist of children, how much more would our A good, good father reads Scrip- unconditional love between all its heavenly Father, who is perfect, give ture and learns how to have a healthy members. The marriage and the filial His children what is needed?” God is fear of the Lord, so that the heavenly relationships between each parent and the Heavenly Father. We human men gifts of wisdom, knowledge, prudence each child are each, a covenant! are to be fathers. Fathers are providen- and right judgment are in him. Even These covenant relationships are de- tial! if a man’s wife does not do all these signed by God to change the very na- God the Father teaches, admon- things. All the more reason the dad ture of each of the lovers. Each family ishes, corrects, advises, guides and di- should! Fathers are Guides! member will forever be locked in to rects each of His children toward the Human fathers are spiritual lead- the covenant relationship with each of good and love that will bring them ers in their homes, for their children the others, quite like God the Father peace and happiness. Human dads are and even their wives. Just as God the is with His eternally begotten Son so to do all those same things because Father leads His children to Himself, perfectly and eternally that the Third we are to strive to “be perfect as your the father in the home leads his chil- Person in the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48). dren and even his wife to closer rela- is eternally proceeding from the Fa- No matter the ages of his children, a tionships with God. I learned in wres- ther and Son. In our cases, we parents father is obligated by his “office” and tling, that, “where the head goes, the are to be so unconditionally in love responsible to God the Father to give body goes.” The husband and father is with one another that the children direction away from harmful behavior responsible to the spiritual direction proceed from us. and life choices that are contrary to for the family, and Fr. Dads, you are at the head of that! God’s “right order” and that will bring always said, “The family that prays to- Love you guys. pain and suffering to themselves and gether, stays together.” The dad should Dad

THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 57 © Militia of the Immaculata 11 Reflection on July Act of Total MI Intention Consecration to the Immaculata (Prayer composed by St. Maximilian Kolbe)

O Immaculata, Queen of Heaven O Immaculata, please intercede that and earth, refuge of sinners and St. Maximilian and you, Mother of Love, may teach us charity to be our most loving Mother, God has better people and authentic witnesses of Christian virtues. willed to entrust the entire order of “Mary set out and traveled to the hill coun- When questioned about how to know mercy to you. I, (name), a repentant try in haste to a town of Judah.” (Lk 1:39) the Immaculata’s will, he concluded that sinner, cast myself at your feet she wills always what God wills: “Only God humbly imploring you to take me St. Maximilian Kolbe’s martyrdom of can be our end. To know God, to love Him, with all that I am and have, wholly charity would not be so striking if it were take possession of Him, join Him, somehow not the climax of a whole life of self-giv- be transformed into Him; to be divinized; to yourself as your possession and ing, which culminated in the sacrificial to become like the Man-God” (KW 1295). property. Please make of me, of offering of his life. Let us learn from Our Lady and St. all my powers of soul and body, of When the young Kolbe embraced the Maximilian to follow the Lord’s way and my whole life, death and eternity, challenge to conquer the whole world for thus to see our life not confined within the Christ through the Immaculata, as an in- narrow limits of our own plans but rather whatever most pleases you. strument in her hands, he was aware that be open to God’s plan, which aims to lead If it pleases you, use all that I am these instruments would have to be ready each of us and whole mankind to eternal and have without reserve, wholly communion with Him. to suffer various trials in order to be bear- to accomplish what was said of you: ers of Divine love. St. Maximilian will always challenge us St. Maximilian truly became a visible to keep our gaze on our ultimate goal, to “She will crush your head,” and, “You sign of this love, of Our Lady’s maternal be reached, without a doubt, with the sure alone have destroyed all heresies in charity, as illustrated by her eagerness to help of the Immaculata, our Mother. the world.” Let us journey with Our Lady to the set out in haste to a town of Judah while Let me be a fit instrument in your already carrying the Christ in her womb. “Elizabeth” who waits for us! There is al- Upon her arrival, her Divine Baby caused ways someone on our path who is waiting immaculate and merciful hands Elizabeth to be filled with the Holy Spirit for us to be bearers of the Lord Jesus. for introducing and increasing as her child leapt for joy in her womb. your glory to the maximum in all Maximilian allowed Our Lady to con- Fr. Sebastiano B. Quaglio, OFM Conv. the many strayed and indifferent tinue her visitations throughout his whole life as he reached out to people everywhere souls, and thus help extend as far and with every possible means. Indeed, his as possible the blessed Kingdom whole life and the apostolic projects he set of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. in motion were imbued with the energy of For wherever you enter, you obtain Divine love that he drew from the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. the grace of conversion and growth In one of the first talks he gave, he stat- in holiness, since it is through your ed that “We are instruments in the most hands that all graces come to us loving hands of the Immaculata, and that from the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. is the only way we can possibly achieve our ultimate goal: the glory of God, not only a greater glory, but the greatest possible glory. V. Allow me to praise you, O sacred Virgin. All of our concern, therefore, ought to con- 2021 MI Intentions leaflets R. Give me strength against your enemies. sist in this: to let ourselves be led, so that are available in English and Spanish. nothing is done except what she wants and Request them from how she wants it” (KW 1248). the MI National Office.

THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 57 © Militia of the Immaculata 12 The Writings of MI RESOURCES St. Maximilian Kolbe VOLUME I: LETTERS • VOLUME II: VARIOUS WRITINGS Available from the The Definitive English Edition! MI National Center Saint Maximilian Kolbe died at Auschwitz Concentration Camp as a “ of Charity” in 1941. The Polish-born Franciscan Friar had spent the previous twenty-three years as a priest, evangelizer, media mogul, social commentator, missionary, and religious reformer. His life’s work cut short at age 47, St. Kolbe nonetheless left behind an impressive body of writings. In the 1950s the English-speaking world first began reading bits and pieces of those writings translated from the original Polish, Italian, and Latin. Now, at long last, devotees and scholars alike can find the entire wide-ranging array those writings collected together in a two-volume compendium published by Nerbini International.

Ave Maria! The complete works of the great Franciscan are finally available in English! St. Maximilian was a theological and Mariological genius and this opera omnia is sure to be one of the greatest tomes to ever grace a bookshelf. It provides the wisdom, the answers, and the weapons that are needed for our times: total allegiance to Christ and the Church, consecration to the Immaculata, the mediation of Mary, the bullet of the Miraculous Medal, and the spiritual sword of the ! --Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC Disseminate the Miraculous Medal and introduce Our Lady and the MI to others! Hardcover edition may be ordered from MarytownGiftShop.com - Click Here Miraculous medals and various MI brochures can be requested from the MI National Office at 331-223-5564 or via email: [email protected] Order e-Book Online at BarnesandNoble.com

“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 Check the MI website effort! The Immaculata will not MilitiaoftheImmaculata.com often for updates, resources, forget it! May all MI Knights be special events and more! zealous in winning the world over to the Immaculata!” St. Maximilian Kolbe

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THE MISSION OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 57 © Militia of the Immaculata 13