# Consecration of humanity to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
*2017-06-02*

> Bill Young discusses the importance of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the intercession of Mary, while preparing for his upcoming promise as a member of the Legion of Mary.

## Reflections on Charity and Faith

I want to start by mentioning a wonderful fundraiser we had recently—a golf tournament for Muscular Dystrophy (MD). It was a great benefit, raising over $30,000 to help fund a summer camp for these children. Seeing the dedication of the medical staff and counselors, who work 24/7, really opened my eyes to the goodness being done for these kids.

I also spent some time talking with a friend who has been approached by members of the Mormon faith. It reminded me of the importance of understanding our Catholic faith, especially regarding the Blessed Mother. Some people struggle to understand why we honor Mary, but we do not worship her; she intercedes for us. If you look at the first miracle Jesus performed—converting water into wine at Cana—He did so because His mother asked. Jesus listened to Mary, and through her, the miracle happened. She has an essential role in our salvation.

## The Continuity of the Catholic Church

When I look at some of the newer religious movements that started in the 1800s, I can't help but wonder what happened in the 1,800 years prior. The Catholic Church came directly from Jesus to Peter, the rock, and then to the apostles. While we respect freedom of religion and treat all our Christian brothers and sisters with respect, it is heartbreaking to see young people taught to view images of Mary as blasphemy. This is why the prayers we offer today are so vital.

## The First Saturdays Devotion

Tomorrow is a significant day for me, as I will be taking my promise as a member of the Legion of Mary. I am very excited about this step. I also want to encourage those of you who are practicing the Five First Saturdays devotion requested by our Mother. This involves the Rosary, going to confession, receiving Holy Communion, and meditating for 15 minutes on the mysteries. If you cannot make it to confession on the actual Saturday, there is generally a leeway of seven or eight days. My goal is to help others achieve those five consecutive Saturdays to receive the many blessings attached to this devotion.

## Prayer and the Luminous Mysteries

Since June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we begin with the Consecration of Humanity to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, asking the Redeemer of humankind to draw us closer to His heart and bring the prodigal children back to the Father's house. 

Following this, we pray the Rosary, focusing on the Luminous Mysteries: the Baptism of Jesus, the Wedding at Cana, the Proclamation of the Kingdom, the Transfiguration, and the Institution of the Eucharist. We also include a special prayer for the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima (1917–2017), asking for peace and reconciliation in a world fraught with war and pain.

## The Legionary Promise

To close, I want to share the essence of the Legionary promise I am taking. It is a commitment to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit through a complete union with Mary. By declaring total dependency on her as the mother of my soul, I seek to be pure in her and to bring Christ to the souls who need Him. I submit myself to the discipline of the Legion, standing as a soldier and a child of Mary to help renew the face of the earth.

*By consecrating ourselves to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and uniting our wills with Mary, we can become effective instruments of grace in the world.*