Or — have any of you done it already. There are a couple of you that I would guess a hearty “yes” on!
A small group of us at my parish did the “Total Consecration” program. First, I advise strongly doing it with a friend or in a group.
Second, understand that Saint Montfort’s book, “True Devotion to Mary” is the background and basis for the program, which is actually simplified in a very easy to follow format, where you start on certain dates, in a slim book entitled, “Preparation for Total Consecration, according to Saint Louis Marie de Montfort”. The first book can be read before, on in conjunction with, making your consecration program.
Both of these wonderful and inspiring books have long been available from Montfort Publications in Bay Shore, NY. I don’t know if the free “packet” advocated by these “Making Friends” people are the same materials. It sounds like they have a great thing going, but I will just say we used the Montfort materials and they are perfectly suited to easy learning in a systematic way, very organized, etc.
The program involves prayers every day, and each week they change. The 33-day program is comprised of 12 preliminary days, and then three separate weeks of different foci each. Our group prayed and read individually all week, and then met one day weekly to pray all together and discuss our progress. (I believe it’s a bonus if you can manage to do this before the Blessed Sacrament weekly.) Like any new endeavor, don’t get discouraged if you start off gung-ho and then feel lazy at times or miss a few prayers. At times it seems like ALOT of prayers, but once you start saying them, they are beautiful and really only take a few minutes.
It also helps to have a leader who has read the Montfort book and can sort of guide folks. Some people who may not be familiar with spiritual writings, especially those of a style from previous centuries, may be a bit overwhelmed by the poetic style of Montfort. Also, some of the language (”slaves of Christ” means devotion; “Do violence to yourself” means asceticism and mental discipline, not self-flagellation) seems stilted to 21st century ears because the words have since acquired new meanings. Just don’t get hung up on technicalities like that, and instead see the deeper meaning.
This is probably one of the most meaningful practices one can do, in terms of it gradually developing your prayer life, and also growing in love and appreciation of Christ and Mary. Also, unlike some contemporary programs, it’s not geared up to give you an emotional high. Instead you gradually learn and it stays with you for life.
Well, I could go on, but have probably said more than enough. Salvation, I would be interested in doing it with you, but not sure how we could work that out “online”?