33 Days to Morning Glory: A Do-it-Yourself Retreat in preparation for Marian Consecration

by Fr Michael E. Gaitley

This do-it-yourself retreat touches on the inspiring life of St Louis de Montfort and the personal journeys of outstanding modern-day Christian models like Saints Maximilian Kolbe, Teresa of Calcutta, and John Paul II. It integrates the basic truths of our faith, such as our baptismal consecration to God and the Trinitarian aspects of our Christian way of life. All in all, 33 Days to Morning Glory is a moving and transformative journey into the loving and maternal heart of Our Blessed Mother. This simple book reminds us of Mary's desire to bring all of us into the merciful Heart of Jesus. Filled with insights and generously complemented by the saintly writings this retreat guides the reader on one of the surest ways to “open wide the doors to Christ”: entrusting oneself to Christ’s mother, the first who opened her life and heart to Jesus.

204 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[K Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my fourth time “reading” this book. Reading is in quotes because my interaction with this book over the past 4 years has become more and more prayerful and less and less reading. It’s been a wonderful introduction to and companion for consecration and renewal of consecration to Jesus through Mary. There are other resources available for the consecration. I have enjoyed this one over the years because of the focus on saints who have themselves completed the consecration.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really about 3.5 stars.

I'm Catholic, and my priest highly recommended our parish read this book leading up to Corpus Christi this weekend. I like the idea of a daily devotion and have been wanting to revitalize my non-existent prayer life, but this book isn't so much about leading you in prayer as leading you in reflection. I didn't feel like I knew much of what I should pray after I finished the daily reading. I need a lot more hand-holding than this book gives. Even the reflections could be more exemplary. Instead, it's all a bit circular, using quotes from great saints and popes and then basically just saying, "He/She said it best! There you have it!" I would have benefited from some unpacking of what to truly get from some of these speeches and letters from the saints but did not get that from the author. I kind of feel like a failure to be honest because my priest said this self-retreat would be "life-changing," and I don't feel like I got anywhere near there. Maybe I need more time to take some baby steps into more prayer. I've bookmarked the appendix on devotion and the rosary. I did always feel very connected to my faith when I prayed the rosary every week during grad school. That might be something I return to. I certainly have enough rosaries around the house!

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much easier to read than de Montfort’s True Devotion to Mary. Still a lot to process, but slightly less daunting.

[Margaret Meissner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read this for Marian consecration, I learn something new to further dedicate myself to her.

[Virginia Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it three times. I want to read it again and again.

[Lisa Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

This feels more textbook and technical than spiritually fueling. It's good, great information, but I had hoped for something more emotionally engaging.

[Bill Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life-giving. A must. Renew it often!