DECEMBER 2024 ISSUE 98

A SAVIOR IS BORN
I mmaculata The Knight of the

E-Publication of the Militia of the Immaculata, USA

by Ronald L. Rodrigues, MI National President

D
ear Knights of the
Immaculata,
Maria! Merry Christ-
mas! Soon, we will
hear the joyful tidings:
Today in the city of David, Beth-
older men with white beards and
canes. But a first-century citizen
would have imagined a teenage
girl or boy. Many Bible scholars
say that 90 % of shepherding was
done by adolescent girls between
poor and uneducated of society,
and the three wise men the rich
and well-educated of the world.
Shepherds and wise men have
nothing in common, but these are
the ones the Gospel tells us about.
lehem, a Savior is born. Wrapped the ages of 15 to 17 years old, or The only ones who could find
in swaddling clothes, lying in a young boys between 10 and 12 Jesus were the very wise and very
manger, a food trough. It was not years old. The shepherds were not simple, those who knew nothing
a nice hotel or palace but a place considered the elite of society, but and those who knew that they
for animals, a low unlikely place rather at the bottom of the social didn’t know everything. The one
for a king. He presented Himself ladder, dirty, uneducated peasants thing the shepherds and wise men
to the lowest people in society, who belonged in the field away have in common is humility. They
the shepherds. The birth of Jesus from other people. They were not both understood that a mystery
was revealed by an angel of the known for their power or wealth was being revealed to them, this
Lord, Gabriel, God’s messenger to but God used these humble, was not something they figured
a group of little ones out in a field young shepherds to spread the out on their own. Neither of them

“HAIL, FULL
caring for the sheep. good news of the birth of Jesus. found the Baby Jesus on their own;
The Palestinian village of Beit The shepherds were the first in- they were guided to Him. For the
Sahur, known as the village of vited to see Jesus. Then, the three shepherds, it was the angel. For
the shepherds, next to Bethle- wise men called from afar to bring

OF GRACE!”
the wise men, it was a star. Both
hem, is the site where the angel the good news to far-off lands. had humility and put their faith
announced the birth of our Lord The three wise men traveled many before their understanding.
Jesus Christ to the shepherds. days and nights and brought Jesus “Now there were shepherds in
The field is about a mile from the expensive gifts of gold, frankin- the region living in the fields and
church of the Nativity. The angel cense, and myrrh. keeping the night watch over

PAGE 3 said: “Do not be afraid; for behold,

I proclaim to you good news of
The shepherds symbolize the their flock. The angel of the Lord
appeared to them and the glory of
great joy that will be for all the Daily Holy Mass the Lord shone around them, and
people. For today in the city of Da- will be offered throughout 2025 they were struck with great fear.
vid, a Savior has been born for you for the MI-USA and all MI The angel said to them, ‘Do not be
Members, living and deceased,
who is the Messiah and Lord.” at the City of the Immaculata afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you
Many believe the cave near the established by St. Maximilian good news of great joy that will
Shepherds’ field is where Jesus was Kolbe near Warsaw, in Poland. be for all the people. For today in
born. The caves are where they the city of David a Savior has been
placed the newborn lambs; they born for you who is the Messiah
had clean linen and wrapped the and Lord. and this will be a sign
newborn lambs, keeping them for you: you will find an infant
safe and unblemished until they wrapped in swaddling clothes and
would be killed as a sacrifice in the lying in a manger.’ And suddenly
temple. there was a multitude of the heav-
Jesus is the Lamb of God, wrapped enly host with the angel, praising
in swaddling clothes lying in a God and saying: ‘Glory to God in
How to “Walk with One” - Page 7 manger, a cave used for lambs
to be sacrificed in the temple
Send your prayer intentions to be placed
in the MI Book of Intentions at the
feet of Our Lady and St. Maximilian
the highest and on earth peace
to those on whom his favor rests.”

MI Groups in the USA - Page 17

services. Most of us think of the Kolbe’s first class relic: (Luke 2:8-14)
shepherds as middle-aged or [email protected] (Continues on pg. 12)

© Militia of the Immaculata THE KNIGHT OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 98 2

 “HAIL, FULL
OF GRACE!”
THE SAINTS ON THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

“
Hail, full of grace, the title. It is the name that God,
Lord is with you!” (Lk 1: through His messenger, chose
28). We address the Virgin to use to describe the Virgin.
Mary several times a day This is how He had always seen
with these words of the and thought of her, ab aeterno
Archangel Gabriel. Let us repeat (from all eternity). In the hymn
them with fervent joy today, on of the Letter to the Ephesians
the Solemnity of the Immacu- just now proclaimed, the Apos-
late Conception, remembering tle praises God the Father “who
8 December 1854 when Blessed has blessed us in Christ with
Pius IX proclaimed this won- every spiritual blessing in the
derful Dogma of the Catholic heavenly places” (1: 3). What a
faith in this very same Vatican special blessing God addressed
Basilica. I cordially greet those to Mary from the beginning of
who are gathered here today, time! Mary was truly blessed
especially the representatives among women (cf. Lk 1: 42)! The
of the National Mariological Father chose her in Christ be-
Societies who have taken part fore the creation of the world,
in the International Mariologi- so that she might be holy and
cal Congress, organized by the immaculate before Him in love,
Pontifical Marian Academy. I preordaining her as the first
then greet all of you present fruits of filial adoption through
here, dear brothers and sis- the work of Jesus Christ (cf. Eph
ters, who have come to pay 1: 4-5). The predestination of
filial homage to the Immacu- Mary, like that of each one of us,
late Virgin. ... How great is the is linked to the predestination
mystery of the Immaculate of the Son. Christ is that “seed”
Conception that the Liturgy that was “to bruise the head” of
presents to us today! A mystery the ancient serpent, according
that never ceases to invite the to the Book of Genesis (cf. Gn

‘Full of Grace’... it is the

contemplation of believers 3: 15); He is the Lamb “without
and inspires the reflection of blemish” (cf. Ex 12: 5; I Pt 1: 19),
theologians. The theme of the
Congress that has just been
immolated to redeem human-
ity from sin. With a view to the name that God, through His
mentioned: “Mary of Nazareth saving death of the Son, Mary, messenger, chose to use
to describe the Virgin. This
welcomes the Son of God into His Mother, was preserved free
history”, has fostered a deep from original sin and from every
examination of the doctrine of
the Immaculate Conception of
other sin. The victory of the new
Adam also includes that of the is how He had always seen
Mary as a presupposition for new Eve, Mother of the re- and thought of her, from all
eternity.”
receiving in her virginal womb deemed. The Immaculate Virgin
the Word of God Incarnate, the is thus a sign of hope for all the
Savior of the human race. “Full living who have triumphed over
of grace,” “κεχαριτωµευη”: in the Satan by the blood of the Lamb
original Greek of Luke’s Gospel, (cf. Rv 12: 11). Today let us con-
the Angel greets Mary with this template the humble young girl

3 THE KNIGHT OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 98 © Militia of the Immaculata © Militia of the Immaculata THE KNIGHT OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 98 4
of Nazareth, holy and blameless God above every other creature
before God in love (cf. Eph 1: to be the advocate of grace
4), in that “love” whose original and model of holiness for His
source is God Himself, one and people, today in a special way
triune. How sublime an act I renew the entrustment of the
of the Most Holy Trinity is the whole Church. May you guide
Immaculate Conception of the your children on their pilgrim-
Mother of the Redeemer! Pius age of faith, making them ever

Why Do We Pray
IX, in the Bull Ineffabilis Deus, more obedient and faithful to
recalls that the Almighty “by the Word of God. May you ac-
one and the same decree had company every Christian on the
established the origin of Mary
and the Incarnation of divine
path of conversion and holiness,
in the fight against sin and in the Angelus?
Wisdom” (Pii IX Pontificis Maximi the search for true beauty that
Acta, Pars prima, p. 559). The is always an impression and a
Virgin’s “yes” to the announce- reflection of divine Beauty. May The Angelus prayer, which has been
ment of the Angel fits into the you obtain peace and salvation part of our Catholic tradition for
reality of our earthly condition, for all the peoples. May the
with humble respect for the eternal Father, who desired you centuries and dear to many saints, is
divine will to save humanity to be the immaculate Mother of a simple and beautiful way to honor
not from history but in history. the Redeemer, also renew in our the great mystery of the Incarnation
Indeed, ever preserved free time through you, the miracles
of Our Lord at the Annunciation.
from all taint of original sin, the of His merciful love. Amen!
“new Eve” benefited uniquely There are three antiphons, accom-
from the work of Christ as the panied by three Hail Marys, and the
most perfect Mediator and *Pope St. John Paul II, Decem- prayer has been traditionally prayed
Redeemer. The first to be re- ber 8, 2004, Homily on the Oc-
deemed by her Son, she shares casion of the 150th Anniversary three times a day: in the morning,
to the full in His holiness; she is of the Dogma of the Immacu- at noon, and in the evening (usually
already what the entire Church late Conception of the Blessed around 6:00 pm). When we pause to
desires and hopes to be. She is Virgin Mary.
the eschatological icon of the pray the Angelus, we recall the Mys-
Church. Consequently the Im- tery that took place in the fullness of
maculate Virgin, who marks “the time and brought about our salva-
very beginning of the Church,
Bride of Christ, without spot or tion, the Mystery that gives ultimate
wrinkle, shining with beauty” meaning, sacred dignity, and pur-
(Preface), always precedes the
People of God in the pilgrimage
PLENARY INDULGENCE pose to the life of each human be-
ing. Additionally, we consider how
of faith, bound for the Kingdom
of Heaven (cf. Lumen Gentium, The first to be On the Solemnity of the God graciously chose to carry out

redeemed by her Son,

n. 58; Redemptoris Mater, n. 2). His Plan by engaging the free coop-
In Mary’s Immaculate Concep- Immaculate Conception, MI eration of the Blessed Virgin Mary
tion the Church sees projected
and anticipated in her most she shares to the full members may receive the gift of a and her unconditional YES to Him.
noble member, the saving in His holiness; she is Plenary Indulgence. Thanks to her YES to God’s WIll, she

already what the entire

grace of Easter. In the event bacome the Mother of God Incar-
of the Incarnation the Church
The customary conditions for
Church desires and
encounters Christ and Mary nate, our Savior, and our Mother in
indissolubly united: “He who is gaining the indulgence must the order of grace. Truly, by praying
the Church’s Lord and Head and
she who, uttering the first fiat
hopes to be.” be observed; in addition, each the Angelus, we foster gratitude for
the gift of salvation and learn from
of the New Covenant, prefig-
ures the Church’s condition as
member ought to renew his/her Mary to respond YES to God in our
spouse and mother” (Redemp- consecration to the Immaculata. lives.
toris Mater, n. 1). To you, Virgin
Immaculate, predestined by

5 THE KNIGHT OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 98 © Militia of the Immaculata © Militia of the Immaculata THE KNIGHT OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 98 6
 Confessions by St. Augustine next.” self more and more and is an asset Masses, so he can enjoy those for
I replied, “Don’t buy it. I have it, and to the program. as late as he wants. I introduced
I’ll bring it when you’re ready.” He The weekend after TEC we at- Alex to our young parochial vicar

HOW TO “WALK
said, “Okay, we’ll do a book swap.” tended Sunday night Mass at the last spring and they spent 90 min-
Although he didn’t have a wild local Newman Center for Bradley utes on Holy Saturday discussing
social life with promiscuity (like University. After Mass, I introduced Catholicism and philosophy. Alex
Augustine) or drugs, Alex found Alex to Msgr. Brownsey, the cele- was surprised and impressed that

WITH ONE”
The Confessions to be a meaningful brant, and explained that he had priests study a great deal of philos-
read. During another night driv- been attending Mass with me but ophy and admitted that Fr. Daniel
ing Alex home, I told him about is not Catholic. Msgr. said, “Didn’t knew philosophy better than he
my faith journey, which included I just see you at TEC?” It turns out did. In August of this year, Fr. Dan-
my Cursillo weekend when I was that Msgr. Brownsey celebrated iel asked me if Alex was ready to
a 29-year-old father of two. I told the explanatory Mass during that join the Catholic Church. I replied
him that I had acquired head weekend and recognized Alex. that I didn’t want to push too hard
AN MI MEMBER’S TESTIMONY knowledge about the Catholic Then Monsignor offered a special and that Alex would let me know
faith during my parochial school blessing, placing his hands over when he was ready. After praying
upbringing, but Cursillo helped me Alex, which was beautiful. not very long about this, I realized I
make the journey from the head Because of poor school attend- should invite him to OCIA (Order of
to the heart. I understood better ance, especially in the semester Catholic Initiation for Adults). Alex
how Jesus loved me and gave his before I met him, a bureaucrat replied, “I can see no reason to put
life for me, and I met laymen who went against the counselor’s off the inevitable.” I was overjoyed.
were living their faith in whatever wishes and had Alex expelled Thus far Alex has attended all 10
their life situation was. The follow- from school. But the counselor sessions of the program. Bob has
ing week, driving him home again, helped him and his father get him told me over and over how Alex is

O
we were approaching the Catholic into a GED (General Educational a new person, “a 180-degree dif-
ne blessing can lead but struggling socially, depressed, Mass. I explained the general high school where the teen coun- Development high school equiva- ference,” from a year ago. During
to another sometimes. friendless, missing a lot of school, order of Mass during our drive terpart of Cursillo, Teens Encoun- lency) program, where he excelled the girls’ TEC weekends, Bob said, “I
Over the 7 years since and seeing the school counselor there, and in church I showed him ter Christ (TEC) weekends, were and completed his GED in June. can’t believe this boy wants to get
I retired, I have played frequently. Alex loved to read and the missalette to help him follow held. I decided to mention this to He now attends our local junior up at 5:30 in the morning to go to
tennis most Monday, on his own had read many classic along. Alex was on the quiet side plant a seed for him to consider college and is doing very well. The help at TEC.” Alex is making friends
Wednesday, and Friday mornings works of philosophy and literature. but attentive. As I had Christmas doing it, someday. To my great Bradley University Newman Center at school, the Newman Center, and
with several other retirees. Most He had read the lengthy “Moby Mass plans with family, I suggested surprise, Alex said, “I want to do in Peoria also serves junior college TEC and experiencing the love of
of us are in our 70s and despite Dick” and after seeing a Scripture we attend the following Sunday that!” After I recovered from the students, and Alex has made sev- Jesus through the joy of his peers
aches, pains, mobility limits, and verse in the epilogue he decided night Mass together. This was an shock of his response and aware of eral friends there. He obtained his and adult Catholics. It has been
injuries, we know we are blessed to obtain a King James Bible. After agreeable time for him and would his shyness, I pointed out that he driver’s license last summer, some- a privilege for me to accompany
to have enough health to enjoy all, he had heard a lot about the be less crowded with young fami- likely wouldn’t know anyone there thing he was insecure about doing this young man at this pivotal time
this game. One man, Bob, joined Bible, a book no longer taught in lies with children. and that everyone else might be before he started attending Mass. of his life, and we pray that many
the group last year after moving to our public schools. Alex was also This became our routine. I sensed Catholic. But I also said he would So now he attends Mass at either more young people will find our
Peoria, IL, from Colorado with his curious about the Catholic Mass that Alex had a feeling of peace find a supportive climate, and the my parish or the Newman Center ultimate Truth, Jesus.
much younger son, now 18-year- and wanted to attend one. Bob in the church with older adults, team would welcome him. He on his own. Newman Center has Tom Durkee, MI Member, Peoria,
old Alex. explained that a Catholic couple younger adults, families, and high understood and still wanted to social activities after Sunday night Illinois
Bob and his ex-wife did not believe he knew had moved here before school and college students all attend.
in “imposing” any religious belief they did, but they were still explor- there to worship God. He would A few weeks later Alex attended
on Alex, feeling that it was his ing various Catholic churches and ask an occasional question, but TEC, and he enjoyed it so much
decision to make when he came thought it better to wait until after with curiosity, never anger or even that he served as a table leader
of age. As a social worker who had the Christmas holidays to take doubt. After dropping him off at last summer and helped in back-
worked with veterans dealing with Alex. At that moment, the Holy home one January night I was ground roles during the two girls
PTSD, Bob said he saw men who Spirit seemed to whisper in my ear, praying about how I could further TEC weekends this year. Alex is
took religion to extremes and felt “Why wait? You attend Mass every Alex’s faith life, and the thought tall, thin, and has shoulder-length
it was often harmful. The week morning. It’s quiet and probably came from the Holy Spirit: the black hair and as a public school
before Christmas last year, during less threatening for a high school author, C.S. Lewis. So, the next student he did not have a strict
a break from our tennis action, student who has never been in a Sunday, I brought him my copy of dress code. As a result, he was
Bob said to me, “You’re Catholic, church before.” Alex was on Christ- Mere Christianity, which he began chosen to play the role of Jesus
right?” I replied in the affirmative. mas break that week, so I offered reading. A couple of weeks later, in a skit at each TEC weekend, a
Bob told me about Alex, a senior in to pick up Alex the next morning saying how much he enjoyed the role he feels privileged to take on.
public high school, very intelligent, and we attended the half-hour book, Alex said, “I want to read The Adult leaders of TEC keep telling
me that Alex is coming out of him-

7 THE KNIGHT OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 98 © Militia of the Immaculata © Militia of the Immaculata THE KNIGHT OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 98 8
 THE EUCHARISTIC Jubilee 2025
GENERAL CALENDAR

REVIVAL CONTINUES DECEMBER 2024 MAY 2025 JULY 2025

PILLAR #3 Encouraging missionary disciples to 24 December 1-4 May 28 July - 3 August
be strengthened and renewed in their Opening of the Holy Door of Saint
Peter’s Basilica
Jubilee of Workers Jubilee of Youth

Christian identity through the Eucharist 4-5 May

Jubilee of Entrepreneurs
SEPTEMBER 2025
15 September

I
10-11 May Jubilee of Consolation
n the Book of Acts, St. Luke tells us that upon examples of this way of living come from St. Thérèse of Jubilee of Musical Bands
being baptized, the earliest Christians moved Lisieux and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. When Pope St. John 20 September

Photo Vatican Media

16-18 May Jubilee of Justice
from encountering Christ, to allowing that Paul II named St. Thérèse a Doctor of the Church, he not- Jubilee of Confraternities
encounter to form their identity, to making ed, “Thérèse knew Jesus, loved Him and made Him loved 26-28 September
24-25 May Jubilee of Catechists
their lives a gift to Christ in and through the with the passion of a bride. She penetrated the mysteries
Jubilee of Children
Eucharistic Liturgy. When we love another and en- of His infancy, the words of His Gospel, the passion of the
ter into a relationship with the other, we discover
JANUARY 2025 30 May - 1 June OCTOBER 2025
suffering Servant engraved on His holy Face, in the splen-
the importance of giving of ourselves to the other. dor of His glorious life, in His Eucharistic presence” (Divini 24-26 January Jubilee of Families, Grandparents 5 October
Christ offers us the perfect model of this sacrificial Amoris Scientia, no. 8). Pope Benedict called “Jesus in the Jubilee of the World and the Elderly Jubilee of Migrants
love, offering His very life for us in the Eucharist. Eucharist the center of her life” (General Audience, April of Communications
8-9 October
Pope Francis teaches us, “The content of the bread 6, 2011). Pope Francis further expressed that she “put first Jubilee of Consecrated Life
broken is the cross of Jesus, His sacrifice of obedi- not her desire to receive Jesus in Holy Communion, but
FEBRUARY 2025
11-12 October
ence out of love for the Father. If we had not had rather the desire of Jesus to unite Himself to us and to 8-9 February
Jubilee of Marian Spirituality
the Last Supper, that is to say, if we had not had dwell in our hearts” (C’est la confiance, no. 22). St. Eliza- Jubilee of Armed Forces, Police
the ritual anticipation of His death, we would have beth Ann Seton also lived a Eucharistic life. The Eucharist and Security Personnel 18-19 October
Jubilee of the Missions
never been able to grasp how the carrying out of was a large factor in her conversion and a focal point in 16-18 February
His being condemned to death could have been her later work, especially as teacher and foundress of the Jubilee of Artists 30 October - 2 November
in fact the act of perfect worship, pleasing to the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph. As she neared the end of Jubilee of the World of Education
21-23 February
Father, the only true act of worship, the only true her life, she found particular solace in the Eucharist. Pope Jubilee of Deacons
JUNE 2025
liturgy” (Desiderio Desideravi, no. 7). Pope Benedict St. Paul VI expressed in his homily for Mother Seton’s can- 7-8 June
XVI offers a similar reflection: “The Eucharist draws onization that hers was “above all an ecclesial heritage of MARCH 2025 Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements,
us into Jesus’ act of self-oblation. More than just strong faith and pure love for God and for others—faith Associations and New
8-9 March
statically receiving the incarnate Logos, we enter and love that are nourished on the Eucharist and on the Communities
Jubilee of the World of Volunteering
into the very dynamic of His self-giving.” As we Word of God. Yes, brethren, and sons and daughters: the 9 June
participate in the Eucharist, we make a sacrifice Lord is indeed wonderful in his saints. Blessed be God for 28 March
Jubilee of the Holy See
of our whole lives. Indeed, as we continue this ever!” 24 Hours for the Lord
14-15 June
National Eucharistic Revival in the months ahead, 28-30 March
Jubilee of Sport
let us take to heart these words from Pope Bene- PERSONAL AND MISSION INVITATIONS: Jubilee of the Missionaries NOVEMBER 2025
dict XVI: “‘Worship’ itself, Eucharistic communion, * Commit anew to the veneration of the Blessed Mother of Mercy 20-22 June
16 November
includes the reality both of being loved and of and the saints, especially those who exemplify Eucharis- Jubilee of Governments
Jubilee of the Poor
loving others in turn. A Eucharist which does not tic living. APRIL 2025 23-24 June 22-23 November
pass over into the concrete practice of love is * Unite personal sufferings to the suffering of Christ to 5-6 April Jubilee of Seminarians Jubilee of Choirs
intrinsically fragmented. Conversely… the ‘com- participate in His ongoing plan of redemption for the Jubilee of the Sick and Health
25 June
mandment’ of love is only possible because it is world. Care Workers DECEMBER 2025
Jubilee of Bishops
more than a requirement. Love can be ‘command- * Reach out and minister to the sick and suffering within 25-27 April
ed’ because it has first been given” (Deus caritas your community, 25-27 June 14 December
Jubilee of Teenagers Jubilee of Prisoners
est, no. 14). Last summer, Pope Francis reminded Jubilee of Priests
28-30 April
us that “the love we celebrate in this sacrament
cannot be kept to ourselves but demands to be
To download the Jubilee of People with Disabilities
28 June
Jubilee of the Eastern Churches
shared with all” (The Greeting of His Holiness Year of Mission Playbook
Pope Francis to the Organizing Committee of the
National Eucharistic Congress, June 19, 2023). Two Click Here
VISIT THE
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© Militia of the Immaculata @iubilaeum25.va
THE KNIGHT OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 98 WEBSITE
10
 Invite Friends to Be
Consecrated to Our Lady!
A SAVIOR IS BORN
(Continued from page 2)

Behold Your Mother!

The Path to Total Consecration
to Our Lady in the Spirit of
St. Maximilian Kolbe
This beautiful 56-page booklet and its No-
venas companion may be used individually
VOLUME I: LETTERS • VOLUME II: VARIOUS WRITINGS
or as a group activity (in a home or parish
setting, for example), or as a series of classes
led by a facilitator, or during a day of prepa-
The Definitive English Edition!
ration for MI consecration to Our Lady. If you The Martyr of Charity, St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe (1894-1941), before his
can offer a series of meetings, you can read
death in the Auschwitz concentration camp, had spent the previous twenty-three Kaniset el-Ruat, known as the church of the Shepherds, is a Greek Orthodox church. The location of the
each chapter with the group and invite the
participants to reflect and comment on it. Al- years as a priest, evangelizer, media mogul, social commentator, missionary and church matches the Tower of Ede, the place where the shepherds watched over the sheep. This biblical tow-
ternatively, you can invite them to read each religious reformer. His life’s work cut short at age 47, St. Kolbe nonetheless left
er is mentioned in Genesis 35:21 as Jacob’s home after the death of his wife, Rachel. The shepherds, after
chapter beforehand and come together for behind an impressive body of writings. In the 1950s the English-speaking world
discussion. While St. Maximilian Kolbe did not first began reading bits and pieces of those writings translated from the original
being visited by an angel, ran to see for themselves the miraculous birth of Jesus and afterward went and
indicate a specific format, if you wish to use a Polish, Italian and Latin. The publication of the first English critical edition, told everyone who would hear what was told to them by the angel.
9-day plan or a 33-day format to prepare for
The Writings of St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe, constitutes a historic event for the God chose these shepherds to receive the first invitation to meet the newborn Messiah. They gave us a
consecration to Our Lady, click here.
English-speaking readership. The sublime inspiration of the Saint’s Marian beautiful example of true faith that can inspire us even today. They could have rejected the invitation,
The suggested donation for the two booklets thought and spirituality transpires from every page of his writings, whether it thinking they were unworthy to meet the Messiah, a King. But this is a reminder for all of us that Jesus con-
is $ 8.00, shipping included be a treatise on the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the Immaculate siders all of us worthy to receive His grace no matter what social status or wealth we have.
Conception, an evangelization plan, a message of counsel to religious and laity, The shepherds didn’t have anything special to do. They only needed to adore Jesus and spread the word
Available also in audio book form. or a filial letter to his mother. His deep personal relationship with the Immaculate that the Savior was born. We, too, sometimes think we have a lot to do when all we need to do is accept Je-
Listen anytime, anywhere! Virgin Mary colors and enflames nearly every page. His leitmotif is love for sus in our hearts and humbly adore and follow Him. This Christmas is an invitation to love and adore Jesus,
God, the Church, the world and all its peoples. His goal is the conversion and
a reminder that He came into this world for you and me.
Now available in Spanish sanctification of that world.
St. Maximilian Kolbe is an example of what the shepherds were called to do: make Jesus known to the
world. He did this through Mary, chosen by God to bring Jesus into the world for the shepherds to behold
Because the frenetic pace of St. Kolbe’s active ministry
and adore. St. Maximilian calls us to win the world for the Immaculate Heart of Mary and, through her, for
afforded him no time to compose a theological Summa,
this edition assembles together the wide scope of his extant
the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Mary brought Jesus into the world, for all of us. She fulfilled God’s plan to save
writings into a unified synthesis. It represents a virtual you and me. She will lead us to her Son if we allow her.
magnum opus of Kolbean thought-- at one and the same Merry Christmas and God bless every one of you! I pray you will have a grace-filled Advent and a glorious
time pastoral, anthropological, philosophical, spiritual, ascetical and and wonderful Christmas season full of laughter and love. Tis the season to be joyful and open our eyes to
mystical. In the person of St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe, the first half of the many gifts the Lord has bestowed upon us. May the gift of Jesus forever resonate in our hearts through-
the twentieth century found a fresh voice fearlessly defending timeless out the New Year, the Jubilee Year 2025!
values in the contemporary context. These two volumes give vigorous
new life to this prophetic voice of truth. Ronald L. Rodrigues
— Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv. MI National President

The hardcover edition may be ordered from P.S. As we approach the end of the year, I want to thank everyone for your support in 2024. I wish I could say it’s
MarytownGiftShop.com - Click Here free to spread the love of Jesus and win the world for Mary’s Immaculate Heart, but nowadays, it’s very expensive.
Our operating expenses are upward of $10,000.00 a month, just to pay our bills. On top of that, we must contin-
Enjoy reading them on your computer, phone or iPad ue reprinting our materials to let everyone know about the Militia of the Immaculata and our mission to win the
Order copies today from the Order e-books online at
MI National Office: world for Mary. Our next major evangelization project is to develop an App for those who prefer to utilize their
Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com
mobile devices to pray and read about the Militia of the Immaculata. Developing an app and continuing to main-
[email protected] tain and improve it is a costly endeavor. With your help, I know we will succeed. If you can find it in your heart this
Watch the online series “Dive in Search of Pearls:
holiday season, please consider donating or purchasing some of your Christmas gifts from the MI.
Introduction to The Writings of St. Maximilian Kolbe”
Subscribe to the MI YouTube channel.
“Our purpose is to fulfill God’s will, the will of the Immaculata. Other goals are a waste of time.”

11 THE KNIGHT OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 98 © Militia of the Immaculata © Militia of the Immaculata THE KNIGHT OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 98 12
 Let us be led, let
us be quiet, quiet,
let us not claim to
do more than she wants, or faster We need that the external and
[than she wants it]. Let her carry internal tribulations, the failures,
do more than she us; she will take care of everything,
she will provide for all our needs of
the listlessness, the fatigue, the
jeers, the misfortunes, and other
wants, or faster the soul and the body; let us give crosses purify and strengthen

[than she wants it].

to her any difficulty, displeasure, us. It takes a lot of patience even
let us trust that she will take care with ourselves and even with the
Let her carry us; of them better than we could.
Therefore peace, peace, a lot of
good God, who tries us out of
love. Write to Br. Gârleanu as soon
she will take care of peace in unlimited confidence in as possible of the things that are

everything.”
her. We did not make the MI; we do written in this letter because they
not know nor can carry it forward. may serve him especially not to
If the MI belongs to our Heavenly worry, to give everything to our
Mother, the obstacles will make it Loving Mother, because we all
like her in God’s hands; so we, in stronger, and if not, let it fall; why act only to ruin everything. I did

ST. MAXIMILIAN
her immaculate hands, are instru- should we meddle? If even our not write to him because I am sick
ments of God’s mercy. Obedience Heavenly Mother would not want and, as you can see, you need 10
is the will of God, and for us the the MI to last, but be content with marks to mail a letter. Give him

WRITES...
will of God through the Immacu- what it has done so far, she is Our my greetings. Pray to our Mother
lata, that is, the will of our merciful Lady; may she do whatever she that I convert. Your most affec-
God. Therefore let us be led, let us likes. Let us take care of things, tionate brother. Maximilian M.
be quiet, quiet, let us not claim to but let us not worry about them. Kolbe MI (KW 56)

LET US BE INSPIRED BY THE WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT OF OUR FOUNDER AS WE

PREPARE TO RENEW OUR CONSECRATION ON THE SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE

KOLBE DATES
CONCEPTION,

S December 18, 1926

trictly speaking, conse- the MI..... In our every passion and ples, to save souls and lead them
cration to Our Lady, the action, thought, word, and deed; toward the good Jesus. There is a
Immaculata (even by an for life, death, and eternity, all of us big difference. But is the will of our Pope Pius XI grants indulgences to the
internal act), according to are always the irrevocable prop- Heavenly Mother the same as the
the spirit of the MI, that erties (how sweet this is) of the Will of God? Without any doubt, MI. They are still in force today.

December 7, 1927
is, as her unconditional and total Immaculate Queen of Heaven and but (if I may say it) there is some
instrument in life, death, and eter- Earth. So even if we do not think distinction to be made, because
nity, as her property, is the essence about it (how pleasing it is to re- our Heavenly Mother is the instru-
of the MI. Her medal is the external flect on this), she directs our every ment of God’s mercy, not of His The Minister Provincial, Fr. Kornel
sign of one’s consecration and the act and arranges all circumstances, justice. The good God, in order not Czupryk, blesses the new friary of
source of the many graces that she repairs our falls, and lovingly takes to punish us, gave us our Heavenly
promises.... We consecrate ourselves us toward heaven, and through Mother to restrict as much as pos- Niepokalanow.
without limit to the Immaculata, us she is pleased to plant good sible His justice. We, therefore, con-

December 8, 1936
and this constitutes the essence of thoughts, feelings, and exam- secrating ourselves to her, are also

On the initiative of Fr. Maximilian,

the Order of Friars Minor Conventual
consecrates itself to the Immaculata.

13 THE KNIGHT OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 98 © Militia of the Immaculata © Militia of the Immaculata THE KNIGHT OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 98 14
 said, “Every child who, rather than
being born, is condemned unjustly
to being aborted, bears the face
of Jesus Christ, bears the face of

The child is an
the Lord, who even before He was
born, and then just after birth,
emissary, an experienced the world’s rejection.”
Those are strong words, firmly
ambassador, who rooted in the Gospel.

announces the
Our Lord speaks of receiving a
child. The contraceptive mentality
Father. In effect, that rules our culture sees children
as something to have on our own
[Jesus says] terms, as a right and even as a pos-

As you received one

session. We don’t receive children
but deny or demand them. This is

RECEIVING CHRIST
of these children, sociologically, economically, and
politically ill-advised. And as Jesus’
you received Me.” words indicate, it’s spiritually lethal

IN A CHILD
because it’s an assault on the im-
age of the Father’s eternal Son.
The bitter irony is that even as we
reject children and childhood,
name, receives me. When parents we ourselves become ever more
receive a child, they receive Christ, childish. The absence of children
A POWERFUL REFLECTION AS WE APPROACH THE CELEBRATION OF OUR SAVIOR’S BIRTH. as Joseph and Mary did. Although in people’s lives gives them little
not exactly “convenient,” a child is reason to grow up. The rejection
BY FR. PAUL D. SCALIA always a blessing. But every bless- of children is both a symptom and
ing is also a task. So, it becomes a cause of the perpetual adoles-
the parents’ responsibility to see cence in our culture.
that Christ is formed in their child. Whoever receives one child such
In that way also, to receive a child as this in my name, receives me.
is to receive Christ. Although gen- Perhaps we can hear in these

T
tle and beautiful for parents, this words an invitation to couples to
he young G. K. Chester- a child, God sanctified childhood you, as you did it to one of the child as an image of Christ. Per- verse is challenging and haunting have more children. Openness to
ton once wrote a bit of and children. This gives us a way least of these my brethren, you haps this is why child-sacrifice was for our culture. Again, the parallel a child can be a frightening thing
doggerel that captures to approach and understand did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40) Only so widely practiced in the ancient to Matthew 25 applies. As we will and for that reason calls for greater
his love of the Christ- Jesus’ gentle and haunting words now, He identifies Himself not with world. It was a demonic assault be judged on how we helped the trust in God. That greater openness
child and of childhood in in the Gospel, “Whoever receives the poor but with a defenseless, on an image of the eternal Son. poor, so also, we will be judged on and trust is already a blessing. The
general: I would say to all parents / one child such as this in my name, dependent child. We can go still Further, like the exhortation in how we receive children. As often reception of a child who announc-
Do you take things equally/ How do receives me; and whoever receives deeper, because there’s a theo- Matthew 25, this verse has serious as you did not receive one of these es the eternal Son blesses us even
you know that you are not/ In the me, receives not me but the One logical truth at play here. A child implications for our response. children, you did not receive me. more.
place of Joseph and Mary. Of course, who sent me.” (Mark 9:30-37) If our captures the reality of Christ more How we respond to the one in If to receive a child means to Fr. Paul D. Scalia
those two things are profoundly society hears these words at all, it than most images. As the eternal need – in this case a child – is how receive Christ, what does it mean
related. Childhood wasn’t valued interprets them in a sentimental Son of the Father, Jesus is the de- we respond to Jesus. The child is to reject a child? It’s an important - Fr. Paul Scalia is a priest of the
until God became a child. The manner. Children are so cute, and finitive, perfect child. He is entirely an emissary, an ambassador, who question for us who live in an Diocese of Arlington, VA, where he
ancient world didn’t have the same they say the darnedest things. It’s dependent because He constant- announces the Father. In effect, As anti-child culture, one that seeks serves as Episcopal Vicar for Clergy
affection or sentimentality for chil- sweet that Jesus takes their side, ly receives everything from his you received one of these children, to prevent children by contracep- and Pastor of Saint James in Falls
dren that we have. In both Aramaic etc. But there’s much more going Father. Everything He has comes you received Me. This should be a tion and, if that fails, to eliminate Church.
and Greek, the word for child was on here. First, because our Lord is from the Father – which is why to great consolation and inspiration them by other means. What does *This column appeared original-
the same as for servant. It’s not that identifying Himself with a spe- receive Him is to receive the one for parents (as Chesterton’s poem that hostility to a child mean but ly on the website The Catholic
the world thought children were cific group of people. This verse who sent Him. The very thing that indicates). Jesus has made it so hostility to Christ? Thing (www.thecatholicthing.org).
delightful, and so God became a is a variation on what we hear in makes a child difficult – depend- easy to serve Him. Whoever re- Anyway, that was clearly in Pope Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.
child. It’s rather that by becoming Matthew’s Gospel: “Truly, I say to ence – is what recommends the ceives one child such as this in my Francis’s mind years ago when he Reprinted with permission.

15 THE KNIGHT OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 98 © Militia of the Immaculata © Militia of the Immaculata THE KNIGHT OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 98 16
 MI GROUPS
Bremerton, Washington Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Elroy, Wisconsin
Libertyville, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois

IN THE US
(Including an Online Village)
Volo, Illinois
Mokena, Illinois Quincy, Massachusetts
Munster, Indiana Waverly, New York
Syracuse, New York
Royal Oak, Michigan
(Online Village)

Columbus, Nebraska
West Haven, Utah Steubenville, Ohio
(Including a KFC Online Village)
Eagleville, Pennsylvania
Peoria, Illinois Bethel Park, Pennsylvania Malvern, Pennsylvania
Fort Bragg, California Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Narberth, Pennsylvania
Denver and Lakewood, 1. St. John Neumann Parish Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Colorado 2. St. Paul of the Cross Parish Emmitsburg, Maryland
Sebastopol, California Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Hays, Kansas Wentzville, Missouri
Atchison, Kansas
Castro Valley, California Lees Summit, Missouri
Blue Springs, Missouri
Virginia Beach,
Virginia
Pismo Beach, California Winston Salem,
Flagstaff, Arizona
North Carolina
Westlake Village, California
Redstone Arsenal, Alabama
Tempe, Arizona Hoover, Alabama Cartersville, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia
San Diego, California

New Orleans, Louisiana NAS Signonella,

(Online Village) Sicily, Italy
Hilo, College Station, Texas
Hawaii
Pensacola, Florida
Del Ray Beach, Florida
(Online Village)

Want to connect and pray with other MI members? Looking for support in
deepening or preparing for your consecration? Join an MI Village and live out
your consecration with others. In addition to MI Villages that meet in person, we
have several Online MI Villages (see page 18).

For more information about an MI group on the map, please contact the MI
National Office: [email protected]
17 THE KNIGHT OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 98 © Militia of the Immaculata © Militia of the Immaculata THE KNIGHT OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 98 18
 Check the MI website
MilitiaoftheImmaculata.com
Act of Total often for updates and follow us on
Consecration
to the Immaculata
(Prayer composed by St. Maximilian Kolbe)
MI Villages
O Immaculata, Queen of Heaven
and earth, refuge of sinners and our For information about an MI Village

DECEMBER
most loving Mother, God has willed in your area, email the MI National
to entrust the entire order of mercy Center. For online MI Villages, email
to you. I, (name), a repentant sinner, the Moderators listed below.
**Moderator: Joseph Willis

MI INTENTION
cast myself at your feet humbly
Email: [email protected]
imploring you to take me with all “Through Mary Immaculate to Jesus: that is our watchword. The more you
Mtg Day: Friday
that I am and have, wholly to yourself
(Last Friday of each month) spread veneration and love for the Immaculata the more souls you win
as your possession and property. Mtg Time: 8:00pm CST
Please make of me, of all my powers
over to her, and, through her, to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, who loved
Weekly Consecration Renewal & Virtual
Child onto the little bed of hay? of soul and body, of my whole life, Village Rosary Tuesdays @ 8:30pm CST
us unto death on the Cross.”
This year, the monthly reflections
are provided by Fr. Thomas Czeck, What feelings flooded your heart death and eternity, whatever most – St. Maximilian Kolbe
OFM Conv., the MI-USA National while you wrapped Him in swad- pleases you. **Moderator: Douglas Eschbach

MI Resources
Spiritual Assistant. dling clothes, held Him to your If it pleases you, use all that I am Email: [email protected]
heart, and fed Him from your Mtg Day: Sunday
and have without reserve, wholly
breast? (3rd Sunday of each month)
December “You knew exactly who that Child to accomplish what was said of you:
Mtg Time: 5:00pm CST
O Immaculata,
please intercede…
was, for the prophets had spo-
ken of Him, and you understood
“She will crush your head,” and, “You
alone have destroyed all heresies in Available from the MI National Center
**Moderator: Donna Masek
them better than all the Pharisees the world.” Knights at the Foot of the Cross (KFC)
That, celebrating Christmas and scholars of the Scripture. The Let me be a fit instrument in your
Holy Spirit had given an incom- Village of the Immaculata
like St. Francis of Assisi,
immaculate and merciful hands E-mail: [email protected]
we may experience the joy parably greater amount of light to
of the mystery of the Incarnation. you than to all other souls taken for introducing and increasing Mtg Day: Every Friday evening
together. In addition, how many your glory to the maximum in all Mtg Time: 8:00pm-9:00pm MST
Reflection - Celebrating Christ- mysteries regarding Jesus must the many strayed and indifferent
mas was the Feast of Feasts for St. that Divine Spirit who lived and souls, and thus help extend as far **Moderator: Bill Bielawski
Francis, as God came to us out of operated in you have revealed as possible the blessed Kingdom Email: [email protected]
love for humanity. only and exclusively to your im- Mtg Day: Sunday
of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Our hearts are filled with Joy as maculate soul! (3rd Sunday of each month)
we meditate on the birth of the “What feelings of humility, love For wherever you enter, you obtain
Mtg Time: 7:00pm CST
Baby Jesus. and gratitude must have filled the grace of conversion and growth
At Greccio, St. Francis brought your heart at that time... as you in holiness, since it is through your ** Moderator: Lisa Fulgenzi
the créche into the celebration of marveled at the humility, love, hands that all graces come to us Email: [email protected]
the birth of Christ at Christmas. and gratitude that God incarnate from the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Write to request Google Meet join info
In contemplating Mary and the had toward you.
“I beg you fill my heart with your Mtg Day: Monday
Child Jesus in the manger, our
hearts are filled with joy as we look humility, your love, your grati- V. Allow me to praise you, O sacred Virgin. Mtg Time: 12:00 – 1:00 pm EST
at the love of God made flesh. St. tude!” (KW 1236) R. Give me strength against your enemies.
Maximilian wrote: “What did you ** Moderator: Patti Schwartz Disseminate the Miraculous Medal and introduce Our Lady
think, O Immaculata, when for Prayer - Act of Total Consecra- Email: [email protected] and the MI to others!
the first time you laid the Divine tion to the Immaculata. Mtg Day: Wednesday Miraculous Medals and various MI resources can be requested from the
Mtg Time: 8:00 pm EST MI National Office
19 THE KNIGHT OF THE IMMACULATA - ISSUE 98 © Militia of the Immaculata 20
via email: [email protected]