Now, I know that there are lots of question marks surrounding Facebook and the human person – what anthropological principles is it built on / does it nurture? Is it yet another addiction for the young who are not yet fully formed in the use of their freedom?
However, as with any morally neutral tool, God can use it powerfully… Here is a little true story of just this happening very recently:
On New Year’s Eve night, during the new year youth retreat, one of the priests gave a powerful homily on Mary, Mother of God. He spoke movingly about how Our Lady had drawn him to his vocation. Specifically, it was through his praying of St Louis-Marie de Montfort’s 33 Day Total Consecration Prayer to Our Lady that led him to become a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal.
After the retreat finished, a girl at the retreat mentioned on Facebook that she and a couple of friends had decided to pray this consecration, aiming to finish on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, 11 February.
No sooner had she posted, than young friends began commenting, saying they would love to join in too. She heroically began collecting email addresses, in order to send out a daily email with the prayers.
By the time the day came to begin the consecration, over 1000 people had pledged to pray this consecration!
I am happy to say I am one of them 🙂 Fr Sebastian’s homily touched me deeply. Throughout the lead-up to Christmas, I felt a strong call on my heart to give myself more fully through Mary’s hands to Jesus. In particular, I wanted to be more faithful to my daily Rosary. When I heard his homily on the brink of the new year, I was utterly confirmed in my conviction to do this. And when I saw the status inviting people to consecrate themselves to Our Blessed Mother, it didn’t take me a second’s thought to sign up.
I am sure this gives Jesus and Mary much joy to see so many people keen to consecrate their lives more deeply. However, please keep these young people in your prayers that they remain steadfast, persevere to the end and that this little Facebook miracle gives much glory to God.
