120 6. The renewal of our apostolate starts with the deepening of our spiritual life since the power of our ministry takes roots there: The Eucharist must be our life (let us not forget the votive Masses for the Blessed Virgin Mary with good sermons); the liturgy is the source and the summit of the Christian life; the essence of Mary’s life is her communion with God, which is fulfi lled for us in the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The Sacrament of Reconciliation: we should go to confession and encourage others to as well, in the spirit of St. Paul: strength is made perfect in weakness! We need to form our hearts in the pattern of the Immaculata. As I previously stated: the best way to honor the Immaculately Conceived One is by always striving to be in a state of grace. Marian Prayers: The rosary and its variations (The Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows, the Angelus, the Chaplet of the Ten Virtues, etc.); a continuous search for the means to renew this prayer; to be its faithful apostle. Prayer for the Deceased: We must pray for them and ask for their intercession; they are our advocates. We should also remember our holy patrons and continue to carry out their legacy which has been entrusted to us today. We should renew the custom of reciting the Little Offi ce of the Immaculate Conception of the BVM. 7. Contemplating the life of Mary as a Mother. On the one hand, this entails constantly being with Christ; on the other—it continuously recalls Mary’s presence in our lives (especially in the life of a Marian). The heart of the Mother is not just a great feeling of love, but also a path of constant suffering. The cross is the sign of our hope and the strength of our Marian apostolate (cf. Jn 19:25-27). 8. The external forms of the apostolate and devotion. Let us be mindful of the small, everyday matters, which, if renewed, bring new life: e.g. a redecorated room, freshly baked bread, coffee or tea which is nicely served, etc. A small act which is done out of love becomes a big one, as St. Theresa used to say. Jesus performed the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves with little human participation; My personal Marian library (above all, it is important to seek an understanding of the faith!); We should read extensively about the Mother of the Lord; write books about her; prepare topical and catechetical articles; learn the details and become experts on certain aspects of her life, especially the Immaculate Conception. Develop an appreciation for sacred art: paintings, statues, simple decorations in one’s own room etc., carry rosary beads. a. b. c. d. e. • •
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