| Militia Immaculatae | |
|---|---|
| Type | Association of the faithful |
| Established | October 16, 1917 |
| Religious affiliation | Catholic Church |
| Founder | St. Maximilian Kolbe, OFM Conv. |
| Post-nominals | MI |
| Website | https://militiaoftheimmaculata.com/ |
TheMilitia Immaculatae (meaning the "Army of the Immaculate One"), called in English theKnights of the Immaculata,[1][2] is a worldwide Catholicevangelization movement founded by St.Maximilian Kolbe in 1917.[3]
The Militia of the Immaculata (or MI) was founded in Rome at the St. Bonaventure Pontifical Theological Faculty (now the International College of the Conventual Franciscans) by aConventual Franciscan, SaintMaximilian Kolbe.[4] Kolbe presented the idea of forming the MI to his Jesuit spiritual director, as well as to his Franciscan Superior at the house of studies in Rome, and was encouraged to proceed. The MI is open to all Catholics and encouragesintercession to theVirgin Mary for the conversion of sinners and enemies of the Catholic Church through the intercession of the Virgin Mary.[5]
It was established as a pious union on January 2, 1922, by theVicariate of Rome.[4]
Joining the MI involves making a personal act ofconsecration to Mary. Members wear theMiraculous Medal as an outward sign of their consecration.
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. - Fr. Maximilian Kolbe, 1938.
The association grew and spread to different countries. On October 16, 1997, the Pontifical Council for the Laity decreed the "Milizia dell'Immacolata" to be an internationalassociation of the faithful of pontifical right.[6] MI claims to have over 3 million members in 48 countries.[4]
The organization publishesMiles Immaculatae, a six-monthly magazine of Marian culture and Kolbian formation. Founded by St. Maximilian Kolbe, specifically for priests and pastoral workers, it is now the official publication of the International Center.[6] In addition to this periodical, the Militia Immaculatae promotes devotional and catechetical booklets such as its official prayer bookGlory to God Through the Immaculata! and the consecration guideBehold Your Mother!, and has also been associated with scriptural editions such as anImmaculata Version of the New Testament.[7][8][9]
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