The Notre Dame Chapter of the Militia of the Immaculata has resumed its yearly meetings and added new activities, as well as new members.

The officers and returning members were very pleased to welcome many new members to their first meeting of the year, almost running out of space in their usual meeting room. These new members said that they decided to attend for a wide variety of reasons, including “I have a strong devotion to St. Maximilian Kolbe, participation in the Militia Immaculata in high school, and an attraction to the group name at the campus Activity Fair.” MI also enjoyed a large turnout at its first weekly club Mass.

The Militia of the Immaculata, known as MI to its members, is part of a much larger, international organization with membership of approximately 4,000,000 Knights in at least 46 countries. The Militia, which actually wields no weapons and wages no battles save spiritual ones, was founded by St. Maximilian Kolbe almost one hundred years ago in Rome.

St. Maximilian Kolbe strove “to win all hearts, and each heart in particular, to the Immaculata.” His group has thrived since his martyrdom during World War II, evolving to meet the need of an ever-changing world.,

Dale Parker, a senior and the current president of the Notre Dame MI, explained the purpose of the MI.

“I think St. Maximilian Kolbe said it best, ‘The purpose of the Knights is contained in these words: to do all you can for the conversion of sinners, heretics, schismatics and so on, above all the Masons, and for the sanctification of all persons under the sponsorship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Immaculate Mediatrix.’ In more modern words, those in the worldwide Militia of the Immaculata are called to pray, offer penance, and evangelize in order to bring people to Jesus, through Mary. St. Maximilian mentions the Masons because in his day, it was they who advocated most against Christianity in the public sphere.”

The spirituality of MI derives closely from the proclamation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception, which Pope Pius IX proclaimed shortly before the Kolbe’s founding of the organization. Every MI member makes a consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary in which they promise to give themselves, body, heart, and soul, and all that they have, temporal and spiritual, to Jesus through Mary. Since Mary could never lead anyone away from her Son, this consecration is a way to grow closer to God, grow in virtue and the spiritual life, and follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

As every chapter of MI is tailored to the needs of the individual community, the Notre Dame chapter seeks to nourish and challenge the life of University students through reading, discussion, prayer, and community. The group currently meets at 4:30 PM in 331 Coleman-Morse on Sunday afternoons for a time of refreshment and reflection. The meeting begins with discussion of the lectionary readings from the day, a short reading that could include Marian meditations, writings of St. Maximilian, or writings of other saints, and any member’s experience with the group apostolate – giving away Miraculous Medals, an activity dear to the heart of St. Maximilian.

Sam Bellafiore, a sophomore and returning member of MI, said that he attends MI because “I’ve learned more about the Marian doctrines [through MI] and have begun to realize the role Mary plays in my life as a Christian.”

The group finishes each meeting by praying a decade of the Rosary in the Coleman-Morse chapel, and then shares a meal in South Dining Hall. This year the group is also beginning a new weekly tradition of attending Mass together each Monday night in Zahm Hall, where they are welcomed by their chaplain, Fr. Jim Gallagher, CSC. After Mass they proceed to LaFortune for free food and fun with the Militia.

Every spring, MI goes on its annual retreat to Libertyville to visit the Marytown there, have a special time for prayer, learn from the wisdom of a Franciscan priest, and focus more deeply on the spirituality of Marian consecration. Twice each year, for the feast of the Immaculate Conception and the feast of the Annunciation, MI hosts a special Mass at which members consecrate and re-consecrate themselves to Our Lady, receive a special Miraculous Medal from the group, and enroll in the international Militia of the Immaculata. The MI is a spiritual association by which the members share in the Masses and the sacrifices of the entire Militia Immaculata.

Those interested in learning more can send an email to ndmi@nd.edu for more information.
Rachel Talley is a member of the Militia Immaculata and a senior Chemical Engineer. She enjoys hanging out in the Lyons God Quad and exasperating her friends with ontological questions. Please contact her at rtalley1@nd.edu.