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“The more we honour the Blessed Virgin, the more we honour Jesus Christ,
because we honour Mary only that we may the more perfectly honour Jesus,
since we go to her only as the way by which we are to find the end we are seeking, which is Jesus.”  
– St. Louis Marie de Montfort.

Achonry-Elphin 2026/2027 Study & Reflection Group

Introduction

  • Does the prospect of joining a group that is open to exploring aspects of our Christian faith and their connection with everyday life appeal to you?
  • Are you someone who likes to read a little, ponder what you read, chat with others and learn from and with other people?
  • Does the person of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, and the testimonies and insights of others concerning her interest you?

During the 2026/2027 school year, a group of up to twenty adults will meet fortnightly for up to one and a half hours at St. Joseph’s Resource Centre, Boyle. At the heart of their time together will be a shared and prayerful engagement with St. Louis Marie de Montfort’s spiritual classic, True Devotion to Mary.

Apart from the introductory meeting, each gathering will follow a simple five-part structure:

  1. Welcome and welcome time – an opportunity to meet, greet and settle into the gathering.
  2. Prayer with Sacred Scripture – a short period of prayerful reflection centred on a passage from Sacred Scripture.
  3. Sharing from the reading – an opportunity for participants to share their reflections and insights arising from their prior reading of the agreed pages from True Devotion to Mary.
  4. Shared conversation – a facilitated conversation exploring the themes arising from the reading and sharing, supported by the group’s facilitator and spiritual director, together with a one-page handout.
  5. Closing prayer – a short, simple and reflective prayer ritual to bring the gathering to a close.

The group will be supported by a spiritual director, Fr. Eamonn O’Connor PP Strokestown, and by a facilitator, Justin Harkin of the Elphin Diocese’s Pastoral & Faith Development Services.

Additional Information

Although written in 1712/13,  St. Louis Marie de Montfort’s book True Devotion to Mary, is still considered one of the greatest ever written on the Blessed Virgin Mary, and a masterpiece of Marian theology and spirituality   It comes highly recommended by no less than eight popes and countless saints, including St. Maxmilian Kolbe and Mother Teresa of Calcutta.  It offers the enquiring and discerning reader and group much to consider, discuss and pray about.

We will begin with a ‘come and see’ introductory meeting on Wednesday, September 9th (more details below) during which copies of True Devotion to Mary will be made available.

All who opt-in following this introductory meeting will be invited to follow through by reading a pre-selected section of the book (just a few pages) and to engaging with a one-page handout that will incorporate a few questions for consideration.

The handout, and other handouts that will be used throughout the course of the year, are the work of an American Catechist, Anne Collins, and of an eminent retired Catholic theologian, Fr. Basil Cole OP, who taught in The Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome and The Dominican House of Studies, Washington DC.  Both Anne and Fr. Basil have much experience in supporting adult groups explore our Christian faith, and the place of Mary in salvation history.

Introductory Meeting

7.45 – 8.30 / 8.45 pm
Wednesday 9th September
St. Joseph’s Resource Centre,
Abbeytown (Church Grounds),
Boyle,
Co. Roscommon.
F52 N260.

Pre-booking of places is encouraged but not essential.  Please contact Justin Harkin on 087 6171526 / justin@elphindiocese.ie

Meeting Schedule
(remaining meetings)

7.45 – 9 / 9.15pm
Wednesdays,
Sept. 23rd
Oct. 7th & 21st
Nov. 4th & 18th
Dec. 2nd & 16th
Christmas break
Jan. 13th & 27th
Feb. 10th & 24th
Mar. 10th
Easter break
April 7th & 14th
May 5th & 12th

These meetings will also take place in:
St. Joseph’s Resource Centre,
Abbeytown (Church Grounds),
Boyle,
Co. Roscommon.
F52 N260.

 

 Cost

Copies of St. Louis Marie de Montfort’s book have been kindly donated by past participants in this initiative.

A contribution toward room hire etc. would be appreciated.  A donation box will be available during all meetings.

Which version of True Devotion to Mary?

A number of publishers publish this spiritual classic.
We encourage engagement with the version published by Catholic Way Publishing entitled ‘True Devotion to Mary with preparation for total consecration‘ as it uses a numbering sequence that supports group engagement.

Other versions are also acceptable, but please ensure that contain the translation by Fr. F. W. Faber.

This book is available through Knock bookshop, Kindle and Amazon.co.uk

Further Enquiries

Please contact Justin Harkin on 087 6171526 / justin@elphindiocese.ie