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Study: Marian Devotion Shapes and Sustains Priestly and Religious Life

Marian devotion, especially through the rosary, significantly influences vocations. The study highlights the importance of promoting Marian devotion in Catholic communities.

In this picture we can see a photograph of the story book on which "The divine passion" is written....
In this picture we can see a photograph of the story book on which "The divine passion" is written. In the front book cover we can see the woman sitting on knees.

Study: Marian Devotion Shapes and Sustains Priestly and Religious Life

A recent study, 'Impact of Mary, Mother of the Church, on Ecclesial Vocations', has revealed the significant role Marian devotion plays in shaping and sustaining priestly and religious life. Conducted by Sister Thu T. Do and Jonathon L. Wiggins, the research found that 59% of respondents, including clergy and religious, reported a meaningful impact of Marian devotion on their vocational discernment.

The study, initiated by Father Michael J. Crowley, discovered that most respondents first encountered Marian devotion in childhood, through family, parishes, and Catholic schools. The rosary was the most popular Marian devotional practice during discernment, with 71% praying it privately and 52% with others. St. John Paul II, St. Louis de Montfort, and St. Joseph were cited as saints who inspired respondents' Marian devotion. The Gospels of Luke and John were the most favoured sources of Marian-related Scriptures.

Respondents credited Marian devotion with strengthening their vocations, with 74% reporting a positive impact. Notably, 80% said Marian devotion enhanced their current devotion to the Eucharist. Sister Thu T. Do, a research associate at CARA, Georgetown University, contributed to the study.

The study underscores the importance of Marian devotion in shaping and sustaining priestly and religious life. It highlights the need for continued promotion and encouragement of Marian devotion in Catholic communities, particularly among young people and those discerning their vocations.

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