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Under Mary's inspiration, he founded the Congregation of the
Daughters of Divine Wisdom, a religious institute of women devoted
to the care of the destitute. During this work, he began his
apostolate of preaching the Rosary and authentic Marian devotion.
He preached so forcefully and effectively against the errors of
Jansenism that expelled from several dioceses in France. In Rome,
Pope Clement XI conferred on him the title and authority of "Missionary
Apostolic", which enabled him to continue his apostolate
after returning to France. He preached about the Blessed Mother
Mary everywhere and to everyone. A member of the Third Order of
Saint Dominic, Saint Louis was one of the greatest apostles of the
Rosary in his day, and by means his miraculously inspiring book,
"The Secret of the Rosary", he is still so today;
the most common manner of reciting the Rosary is the method that
originated with Saint Louis's preaching. In 1715, he founded a
missionary band known as the Company of Mary.
His greatest contribution to the Church and world is Total
Consecration to the Blessed Virgin. He propagated this in his day
by preaching and after his own death by his other famous book
"True Devotion to Mary". Consecration to Mary is
for Saint Louis the perfect manner of renewing one's baptismal
promises. His spirituality has been espoused by millions,
especially Pope John Paul II, who has consecrated not only himself
but every place he has visited as pope. In "True Devotion
to Mary", Saint Louis prophesied that the army of souls
consecrated to Mary will be Her instrument in defeating the Devil
and his Antichrist. As Satan gains power in the world, so much
more shall the new Eve triumph over him and crush his head. |
