The religious of the Incarnate Word are essentially missionaries and Marian[1] and pledges himself to “work “in supreme docility to the Holy Spirit and according to the example of the Virgin Mary”[2]. The members of the Institute of the Incarnate Word profess a fourth vow of Marian Slavery according to Saint Louis de Montfort, to secure her indispensable help in perpetuating the Incarnation in all things.[3] This Marian Spirituality of the Institute can be summarized as: total surrender to Mary so as to better serve Jesus Christ[4]

This consecration to Mary is done as a “filial slavery of love” “ because, as we are moved only by love, we freely and willingly offer ourselves and all our goods to Mary and to Jesus Christ through her. This offering is a fuller and more conscious renewal of the promises made in our baptism, when we were clothed in Christ, and in our religious profession.

We offer Christ through Mary not only our bodies, souls, and goods, but also our good works (past, present and future), together with their satisfactory and meritorious value. Thus, she may dispose of everything according to the will of her Son and for His greater glory. We are certain that we must go to the Incarnate Word through Mary, His Mother, and that she will form “great saints.”

Notes:

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Constitutions 30

Constitutions 17

Constitution 82

Constitutions, 83