Episode 172, Marian Consecration: A Path Back to God
Celina Mary Opkaleke travels extensively throughout the United States and internationally to promote the consecration of individuals, families, parishes and dioceses to Mary, Mother of God. Originally from Nigeria, she is the author of three books focused on the Marian consecration. She collaborates with Catholic Brain, a faith-based educational platform that provides engaging resources for teaching children the Catholic faith.
Before her own Marian consecration, Celina considered herself to be a “lukewarm Catholic.” But after consecrating herself to Mary in 2016, her heart was set ablaze with love for Jesus and his blessed mother. In this episode, we discuss ways Catholics can grow in their devotion to Our Lady, and ultimately to her son, Jesus Christ.
What is the Marian Consecration?
To consecrate means to entrust, dedicate, or set apart for a holy purpose. Marian consecration is the act of giving ourselves entirely to the Blessed Virgin Mary so that she may bring us ever closer to her Son, Jesus. The traditional method involves a 33-day program of spiritual reading and prayer, culminating in a formal act of consecration. The goal is simple but profound: to live fully in God’s Will, as Mary did.
Marian apparitions are discussed in the program. One particularly striking example is Our Lady of the Pillar, an apparition believed to have occurred while Mary was still alive. According to tradition, she bilocated to encourage the apostle James in his missionary efforts, which at the time seemed unfruitful. Her message was one of hope that conversions would come. That same encouragement is offered to us in our spiritual struggles today.
A Path Back to God
The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is a celebration of when Jesus was brought to the temple and consecrated to God. Similarly, we are consecrated to Christ through baptism, but through sin we may drift away. Marian consecration is a means of recommitting ourselves to the Lord and finding our way back to him.
While Catholics honor Mary, we do not worship her. She is not God, but through her intercession and maternal care, she helps to guide us toward an outpouring of grace and discernment that enables us to live in alignment with God's will.
Why Consecration Matters
Marian consecration is a spiritual discipline and a path to inner peace. It strengthens our families and can be a powerful witness to the world. In Mary, we find a model of holiness, humility, and perseverance. Her life was not without suffering—reflected in the devotion to her Seven Sorrows—but she remained steadfast in God's will.
If you're interested in beginning this journey of consecration, you can find Celina’s resources at mariansociety.org. Her books are available through several platforms, including ewtnrc.com and Amazon.
