“We have found a treasure!”
The superior general was ecstatic, as were the other members of the Missionaries of the Company of Mary at their motherhouse at St. Laurent-sur-Sèvre, France.
The librarian, Fr. Rautureau, had found an old manuscript on devotion to Our Lady. It seemed to be the work of their founder, Fr. Louis-Marie de Montfort; closer inspection revealed this to be true.
The book Treatise on True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin had been written around 1712 but was never published. During the French Revolution—when religious books and manuscripts were in danger of confiscation by the secular authorities—the Missionaries’ motherhouse had entrusted its manuscripts to local farmers, who hid them underground until after the Revolution. It wasn’t until April 22nd, 1842, that this particular treasure was rediscovered.
This would not have surprised the author himself. St. Louis de Montfort had predicted that the devil would endeavor to keep this book out of the hands of the faithful, saying:
“I clearly foresee that raging beasts will come in fury to tear to pieces with their diabolical teeth this little book…or they will cause it at least to lie hidden in the darkness and silence of a chest and so prevent it from seeing the light of day.”
Despite the devil’s best efforts, the book found the light of day. Now True Devotion to Mary is considered one of the greatest Marian masterpieces of all time. Since its publication in 1843, it has been instructing saints, popes, religious, and ordinary laymen about Our Lady’s integral role in the salvation of the world and how to cultivate devotion to her in our own lives.
If you are looking for a shorter read, St. Louie de Montford’s powerful little booklet, The Secret of the Rosary, packs a profound spiritual punch. Probably the finest book ever written about the Rosary, this book teaches what the Rosary is, how to recite it, and explains its many spiritual benefits. You’ll never pray the Rosary the same way again! Order your copy today from The Catholic Company!
