Reddit mentions of True Devotion to Mary: with Preparation for Total Consecration (Tan Classics)

What a great desire! I heartily fifth the recommendation to pray the rosary daily! Here is a video (I think I saw it posted here somewhat recently, but in case you didn't see it...) on the rosary by Fr. Don Calloway, MIC. It's a good video.

I recently finished total consecration to Jesus through Mary and I cannot recommend it enough. This is a link to St. Louis de Montfort's method for consecration. It also includes links to parts of True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary written by that saint which can be read for free on that site. (If you like physical books, you can also find it cheaply on Amazon)

I used 33 Days to Morning Glory for my consecration preparation. Use whichever you want.

You can also consider reading the Life of Mary as Seen by the Mystics. A short compilation of several Catholic mystics relaying Mary's life as told by Mary when those mystics had visions of Mary. I was quite skeptical about this book, but my mom lent it to me and I decided to give it a try. It brought me closer to Jesus, Mary and St. Joseph. I have found this book helped me tremendously with meditating on the mysteries while praying the rosary.

People usually follow a specific course of prayers in preparation. Most follow the formula of St. Louis Marie de Montfort or a modified version, such as 33 Days to Morning Glory.

Perhaps read St. Louis de Monfort's book for help.

Don't give up on Our Lady or on the rosary, many important spiritual benefits await you when you have devotion to the Blessed Mother. You can even ask Her for help to understand Her role.

But yes, I understand wanting to start with things you are comfortable with. That is also how I started, since not all of the devotions were understandable to me to begin with.

This site has the basic information. You can find a nice devotional for the preparation as well as de Montfort's "True Devotion" on Amazon here. As for me, the day I chose didn't allow for a full 33 days of preparation, so I intend to repeat the consecration next year with the full 33 days of prayer, though I know many Catholics renew their consecration with an abbreviated prep formula. After the consecration, it is a good idea to be enrolled in the brown scapular and wear a miraculous medal if you don't already as a reminder of your special devotion to Our Lady.

Hope this helps!

33 days to Morning Glory is an excellent book that takes a look at Marian consecration from the view of 4 great Saints. This author has also written a few other amazing books. The journaling you do with this program is life-changing. The website is pretty great too, the last I checked (a few years ago).

And then of course there is the Montefort classic True Devotion to Mary which is what many many people from laypersons to popes have used to consecrate themselves.

Give either book a read through and talk with your local priest. Also lots of prayer. Like, LOTS of prayer. Also I've been slowly feeling a call back to Catholicism and back to my Consecration, so thank you for your post.

>Anything you advise or any prayer(s)/prayer books?

There's the Rosary, of course. I find it helps to visualize the event associated with each decade before beginning it. If you were standing there, what would you say to Mary? This Irish priest walks you through the prayers, and gives some framing to each decade. You might find other versions of the Rosary on YouTube that you like, too. You never have to pray it alone.

I'm not sure what books are available to you. This is one of the best books I've read about the Rosary. Along more classical lines, you might like this book about Mary, or this one.

>thinking and praying for the intercession of the Holy Family brings me a lot of comfort. My favorite icons are the ones with the Holy Family or of the Theotokos holding Baby Jesus.

You might like some other images, e.g., L'innocence, by Bouguereau; Adoration Of The Child by Correggio. I'm pretty sure it's impossible to surround yourself with too much good Catholic art. :-)

True Devotion to Mary: with Preparation for Total Consecration by St. Louis De Montfort https://www.amazon.com/True-Devotion-Mary-Preparation-Consecration/dp/0895551543/ref=sr_1_2?crid=RLN5P9C9X903&keywords=louis+de+montfort&qid=1571623207&sprefix=louis+de%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-2

You might want to consider making a consecration to Mary, perhaps to coincide with your birthday and confirmation. (The links are to a newer book, and an older version of the same idea, with the older one written by a saint and the newer one referencing lots of saints.)