33 Days to Merciful Love: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat in Preparation for Consecration to Divine Mercy
Reviews (194)
Consecration to Merciful Love
Having read Fr. Gaitley's "Consoling The Heart Of Jesus" and his "33 Days To Morning Glory", a Marian Consecration book based on the thought of St. Louis de Montfort, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. John Paul II, and Blessed (soon to be St.) Teresa of Calcutta, I was excited to see that he had taken up the subject of a Consecration to Divine Mercy based largely on St. Therese's "Offering To Merciful Love" with a little bit of St. Faustina added. Today is Divine Mercy Sunday. I made Fr. Gaitley's "Prayer of Consecration to Merciful Love" on pages 134 and 135 and renewed my "Offering to Merciful Love" in the words of the Little Flower, on pages 135 and 136, which I first made on June 9, 1995, the 100th anniversary of Therese first making the Consecration. This book can best be summarized by some words on pages 55-57: "[T]he Little Way is all about the heart of the Gospel: Divine Mercy. It's all about remaining little and then arriving at the heights of holiness through the descending mercy of Jesus. ... It's about accepting that we are to put up with ourselves - with all the darkness of our weakness, brokenness, and sin, - without getting discouraged. It's recognizing, without giving up, that some struggles are chronic. It's realizing, without despairing, that they may be with us till our dying day. But it's also about realizing that this does not prevent us from becoming saints." I particularly liked and lingered on days 2 thru 7, which are about the importance of faith (trust) and the great faith and trust of our Mother in Faith, Mary, and our Father in Faith, Abraham. They believed God's promises would be fulfilled despite how humanly impossible those promises seemed. However little Faith one has had, however greatly one has sinned, one should never despair of God's Merciful Love as St. Therese tells us: "[E]ven though I had on my conscience all the sins that can be committed, I would go, my heart broken with sorrow, and throw myself into Jesus' arms, for I know how much He loves the prodigal child who returns to Him." (PP. 54,55) And St. Faustina: "Let our judgment of souls cease, for God's mercy upon them is extraordinary. ... Oh, how beyond comprehension is God's mercy! ... God's mercy sometimes touches the sinner at the last moment in a wondrous and mysterious way." (PP. 192, 193)
Gift to the Person and the Church
I am usually not a person who likes novenas or consecrations...but this was recommended by a close friend in faith and I felt inspired to take it up and I am deeply grateful I did. Although I have read other books about St. Therese I was not able to understand her too well let alone how to practice her "Little Way" in a genuine manner. I am amazed by the journey Fr. Gaitley took me through the Gospels, the heart of man and the Sacred Heart. It helped me become open to my sins and weaknesses, joyful in receiving God's merciful love and able to love others more easily and empathetically. I have and will continue to recommend these to many for years...
I love this book and will read it many times
The daily readings are very short and very readable. Completely doable every day. This was such a game changer for me, and has completely changed my life. I guess I didn't really understand divine mercy before reading this book. I love this book and will read it many times. This should be read by everyone but especially every catholic. Can't recommend enough I have read many of his books and he truly is doing Gods work writing these. I strongly suggest reading Consoling the Heart of Jesus also as it gives you deeper info on the topic.
Want a sure way to heaven?
You can't ever deserve sainthood or earn your way into heaven. But, in this easy to read self directed 33 day retreat you will discover, in just a small amount of time each day, how God will do just that for you, and work through you to do the same for others. As a Catholic permanent deacon, insurance agent, prison chaplain, and grandfather I find time for prayer is hard to come by. This worked even with my hectic schedule. It is suggested, but not required that you time this 33 day journey so that the 33rd day coincides with a feast day in honor of our Lord or the Blessed Mother.
More than just a book
Am just on day 7 and i felt the Holy Spirit day by day and know more how great our God. And it will help you grow spirtually.
Accessing Merciful Love
Father Michael E. Gaitley has a writing style that is very accessible. I enjoyed his sense of humor while reflecting on the very important message of Merciful Love. This book helped me to get through a difficult time in my life and helped me to refocus on what is most important. It was easy to read and easy to follow through with the daily meditations.
The Little Flower makes a Big impact
My friend and I just completed this retreat, and we have had ongoing discussions about it on our radio program/podcast.
Amazing!
33 days to merciful love is so inspiring and beautiful! It’s very easy to understand and each day is not long at all, it’s very do able! You learn so many great things from the Author, St. Therese, and St. Faustina! Please read it! It changes you!
Mercy from its Master
Thirty-three days well spent on the journey toward God. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It may not be your exact cup of tea, but it was just as advertised. A self-directed retreat in the human "voice" of a retreat-master who's been on the path himself. Not preachy, but conversational. Give and you will receive. Simple, but true meditations for each day. Food for a lifetime, and then some.
Beautifully written
Fr. Mike’s 33 Day books are a must. They help with our journeys to our ultimate goal.
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