# Consecrating Youth to Our Mother Mary
*2015-12-31*

> Bill Young leads a prayer of consecration of young people to the Virgin Mary, connecting the devotion to the feast of St. John Bosco and asking for holiness, purity, and fidelity to the Church.

## Why St. John Bosco Inspires This Consecration

St. John Bosco devoted his life to the education and formation of youth. He taught them practical trades and, above all, nurtured their spiritual growth so they could become fully human, loving members of the Church. On his feast day we are reminded that true education must lead to holiness, and that is the spirit behind today’s act of consecration.

## The Act of Consecration

All‑Virgin Mother of Mine, whom I love so much, I consecrate myself today in a special way to your Immaculate Heart. Through this solemn act I offer you my life, my heart, my soul, my body, and above all the period of my youth that I am living. Guide me along the path that Jesus has shown—the path of love, goodness, and holiness. Help me avoid sin, evil, and selfishness, and reject all temptations toward violence, impurity, and drugs.

## Promises of Faithful Living

I promise to go often to confession and receive Jesus in my heart as the spiritual food of life. I will observe the commandments of God, walk the road of love and purity, and pray the Holy Rosary every day. I desire to be a witness of unity, to love our Holy Father Pope Francis, our bishops, and all priests, and to bring about the triumph of the Immaculate Heart in the world.

*Consecrating our youth to Mary helps us follow St. John Bosco’s example of forming young people for a life of holiness and service.*