We are conscious that “all the Christian faithful have the duty and right to work so that the divine message of salvation more and more reaches all people in every age and in every land,” (Cann. 211) and that they are “entrusted by God with the apostolate by virtue of their Baptism and Confirmation” (CCC 900). Therefore, Bonds of Marian Love, formed and directed mainly by lay faithful, wants to welcome the call of Pope John Paul II to a “new evangelization” of humanity starting with the full awareness of the call we have “to the fullness of the Christian life and the perfection of charity” (CCC 2013). We seek to live this through the total consecration to Jesus through Mary.
Our community strives to live a rich sacramental life, especially regarding the Sacrament of the Eucharist. We seek to attend Mass daily, and Reconciliation whenever needed. The community aims to inspire a greater love for Jesus and Mary in every person we come in contact with, as well as a greater love for the Sacraments and the Catholic Church. The movement is based on the study of Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, in light of the Catechism and the Magisterium of the Church.
In response to the Lord’s affirmation “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25: 40), we strive to not only contemplate Jesus in the Sacraments, the Word and prayer, but also in the poor and those in need.
In light of the Second Vatican Council, we have a great appreciation for the gifts and charisms that the Lord gives the faithful, who have “the right and duty to use them in the Church and in the world for the good of men and the building up of the Church, in the freedom of the Holy Spirit” (Apostolicam Actuositatem). We seek to do this all in union with our “pastors, who must make a judgment about the true nature and proper use of these gifts” (ibid.).
Our fundamental pillars are devotion to the Eucharist, true devotion to Mary, and obedience to the Pope, his teachings, and the Bishops in communion with him:
• Love for the Eucharist: Each member, as much as possible, will not only participate in the Eucharist daily but will also aim to visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament daily. Likewise, they will work with all their strength to make Jesus better known and loved by all in the Eucharist.
• True Devotion to the Virgin Mary: We strive to pray the Holy Rosary daily. Within our community, we prepare individuals for Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary according to the method of St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort. Each member is consecrated through this method as well.
• Obedience to the Pope: As baptized Catholics, we recognize the Pope as the legitimate successor of Peter, Vicar of Christ, and our supreme pastor. We thus lovingly submit to what our Pope asks of us. Likewise, we are obedient to the Bishop of our local diocese.
