FIM 2026 – Introduction to True Devotion to Mary
[FR]
ROME, Italy - “Well begun is half done.” With renewed enthusiasm and spiritual eagerness, the participants of FIM 2026 began their classes on the spiritual classic True Devotion to Mary by Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort. Fr. Alexander SWAMY SMM introduced the resource person, Fr. Hugh GILLESPIE SMM from the United States, warmly welcoming him to the formation program.
In his introductory sessions, Fr. Hugh provided a comprehensive overview of the book True Devotion to Mary. He explained the historical and spiritual context in which the work was written, its title, the approximate date of composition, the remarkable discovery of the manuscript, and the overall structure and content of the book. His presentations helped the participants appreciate the richness and enduring relevance of this spiritual masterpiece.
To introduce the text, Fr. Hugh wisely began from the concluding chapters of The Love of Eternal Wisdom, particularly the “four means” proposed by St. Montfort for obtaining Divine Wisdom. He pointed out that the first three means are profoundly contained within true devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In doing so, he beautifully demonstrated the organic connection between Montfort’s writings and spirituality.
Throughout the sessions (for two weeks), Fr. Hugh actively engaged the participants, encouraging questions and interaction. His clarity of explanation and depth of insight helped to clarify many doubts and deepen the participants’ understanding of Marian spirituality. In the afternoons, he dedicated an entire hour exclusively to responding to the questions raised by the participants, answering them patiently and satisfactorily. The atmosphere of openness and dialogue enriched the learning experience for everyone.
On the topic “Consecration to Jesus through Mary” Fr. Hugh explained with depth the meaning of consecration and the need for re-reading and integration of the prayer before the actual consecration.
“Whenever we are guiding people to make the act of total consecration, encourage them a few days before the day of making the consecration to read the prayer. Lamentably, all too often, we don't even know what the prayer says until we're saying it for the first time that we're making the act of consecration. But by definition, I'm less prepared than I should be. On the one hand, I've gone through the whole 33 days, but on the other hand, I don't even know what I'm going to be saying tomorrow. Notice how funny that is. When you put it that way, it seems obvious.
But the simple fact of the matter is, it's really easy to forget that. It is really easy to overlook that. In our formation houses, if we are guiding our candidates to the prayer of consecration, encourage them to read it ahead of time and then maybe even afterwards.” Says Fr. Hugh.
The sessions reminded the participants of one of the most cherished teachings of Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort: “To Jesus through Mary.” As the participants entered more deeply into the study of True Devotion, they were invited not merely to admire Marian spirituality intellectually, but to embrace it as a concrete path to a deeper union with Christ.
Fr. Alexander SWAMY, SMM
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