A Significant Date

In 1947, Father Caffarel placed the Teams of Our Lady under the patronage of Our Lady. In 1954—seven years later (seven being the age of reason!)—at Lourdes, on the Feast of Pentecost, 850 members of Teams of Our Lady ratified Father Caffarel’s initiative.

During a meeting dedicated to the life of the Teams—presided over by Msgr. Théas, Bishop of Lourdes, and following a brief history of the Movement presented by Father Caffarel—Constantin Sipsom did a roll call of all the Teams. Then, on behalf of those present—and all those they represented—he read the text of consecration for Teams, we provide hereafter.

“Consecration” is a word that has become worn and diluted, yet it remains one of the most meaningful terms in our vocabulary. To consecrate means to move an object or a monument from secular use to the service of God; it means relinquishing possession of something—or of oneself—for God’s sake. Through this consecration of the Teams of Our Lady, we solemnly declared that the Movement is entrusted to Mary, and through her, to God. We asked the Virgin to take it under her care and protection, to counsel and guide it on the Lord’s behalf, and to dispose of it for the glory of her Son.

Mary was already deeply honoured among us. From now on, however, we must live out and experience the spirit of this consecration—this belonging to Our Lady—with ever-greater precision, eagerness, and loyalty. Do not read the following text merely as information, but rather as a prayer, as a personal commitment:

“Holy Mary, Mother of God, we have come to Lourdes to express to you—in union with all our fellow Christians—our great joy and pride in the wonderful privilege of your Immaculate Conception, proclaimed one hundred years ago.

We also wished to come and express the gratitude of our generation, which has been granted the immense grace of discovering the greatness of Christian marriage. We know very well that all graces come from Christ, who died and rose again for us. It is to Him, therefore, that we first address our thanks. Yet we also know that you were present at Calvary, united with His sacrifice, offering your Son for us and for our children; it is only right, then, that in our gratitude we do not separate you from the One from whom you were never separated.

Our journey has yet another purpose that is very close to our hearts. Seven years ago, Father Caffarel entrusted us to your patronage, just as Christian parents do when they place their little child upon your altar after baptism. We have long desired to ratify this consecration. The moment has come. All of us here present—on our own behalf and on behalf of all the members of the Teams of Our Lady, who could not join us—entrust our Movement and all the households that comprise it to you, without reservation or condition, as a tribute of love and trust. It belongs to you. It is entirely at your disposal for the glory of your Son. We accept in advance whatever you may ask or do.

Saint John, after hearing Jesus’ words—’Child, behold your mother‘—took you into his home. All the households of our Teams open themselves to you, Mary: come and dwell with us. Teach us about your Son. Teach us to love and imitate Him. Watch over our children, and among them foster the blossoming of many priestly and religious vocations. 

May your prayer obtain for our families—just as it did for the apostles gathered in the Upper Room—the fullness of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. And may it henceforth be impossible for us not to go forth, like the apostles, to proclaim the magnalia Dei—the wonders of God, and most especially the wonders of the sacrament of marriage—to those who do not know them.”

Henri Caffarel, *Lettre mensuelle des Équipes Notre-Dame*, June 1954