Memorial of Saint Louis Mary de Montfort, Priest
- Mary Jo Barr
- Apr 28
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 28
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 40:2 and 4, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
I have waited, waited for the LORD, and he stooped toward me and heard my cry. And he put a new song into my mouth, a hymn to our God.
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
Sacrifice or offering you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me. Burnt offerings or sin-offerings you sought not; then said I, "Behold I come."
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
"In the written scroll it is prescribed for me, To do your will, O my God, is my delight, and your law is within my heart!"
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
I announced your justice in the vast assembly; I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
REFLECTION
St. Louis Mary de Montfort became a diocesan priest at the age of 27. He was taught in the seminary by the Jesuits and Sulpicians. He worked tirelessly to spread the Gospel.
He went all over western France preaching, providing the sacrament of confession, retreats, and helping the poor. His accomplishments were said to be "miraculous".
He taught that one should receive Holy Communion frequently, even daily, and he recommended to be like Mary by surrendering to God's Will.
He loved the Blessed Mother Mary and believed that, "It was through the most holy Virgin Mary that Jesus came into the world, and it is also through her that He has to reign in the world." His most famous book is, True Devotion to Mary, which was hidden for over one hundred years as prophesied by de Montfort.
St. Pope John Paul II said that St. Louis de Montfort's, True Devotion to Mary, inspired him in his devotion to Mary. He even used "Totus Tuus" as his episcopal motto.
St. Louis Mary de Montfort died at the age of 43 and as he was dying he kissed the crucifix and a statue of Mary. Witnesses said that he called out to the devil and said, "In vain do you attack me: I am between Jesus and Mary! I have finished my course: All is over. I shall sin no more!" Then he died in peace on April 28, 1716.
"Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will."(Psalm 40:8) Let us pray for all Priests to have a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to do God's Will as she did.
Let us pray our PAPA Prayer for Priests
Resources
True Divotion to Mary by Louis de Montfort
Comments