Ad Honorem Immaculatae Conceptionis Mariae Oblatio

68 chastity, and obedience through a public profession of these counsels mediated by the Church. 1 The documents of the Church, attempting to indicate the biblical sourc- es of the identity of consecrated persons, next list texts on the consecration of Mary: In fact, Mary is a sublime example of perfect consecration , which is expressed in her total affiliation and dedication to God. Chosen by the Lord, who decided to accomplish in her the mystery of the In- carnation, she reminds consecrated persons of the priority of God’s initiative . At the same time, Mary, who gave her consent to God’s Word Incarnate in her womb, appears as a model of the human ac- ceptance of grace. During the hidden years in Nazareth, the Virgin Mary – together with Joseph – remained near Christ and was present at her Son’s side in the decisive moments of His public life. Therefore, she is the te- acher of unconditional fidelity and tireless service. In her – this “ta- bernacle of the Holy Spirit” (LG, 53) – the new creation shines forth with full splendor. The consecrated life finds in her a wonderful model of consecration to the Father, union with the Son and do- cility to the Holy Spirit ; and is aware that adherence to Christ, to His “life in poverty and virginity” (LG, 46), also means imitating the life of Mary, (VC, 28). John the Evangelist is another person whom God granted the gift of a consecrated life and who responded to this gift with love: From this contemplation, together with the primordial gift of the Spirit, all gifts, and in particular the gift of the consecrated life, take their origin. After Mary, the Mother of Jesus, it is John who receives this gift. John is the disciple whom Jesus loved, the witness who to- gether with Mary stood at the foot of the Cross (cf. Jn 19:26-27). His decision to consecrate himself totally is the fruit of the divine love which envelops him, sustains him and fills his heart. John, together 1 Instruction of the Sacred Congregation for Religious and for Secular Institutes Essential Elements in the Church’s Teaching on Religious Life as Applied to Institutes Dedicated to Works of the Apostolate, May 31, 1983, Nos. 6-7.