Throughout history, saints and popes alike have turned to Mary as their greatest intercessor and guide to Jesus. Among them, Pope Saint John Paul II had one of the most profound Marian devotions, shaping his entire life and papacy. His personal motto, Totus Tuus, meaning “Totally Yours”, was inspired by St. Louis de Montfort’s teachings on total consecration to Mary.
John Paul II discovered St. Louis de Montfort’s book, True Devotion to Mary, as a young seminarian, and it transformed his spiritual life. He realized that by giving himself completely to Mary, he was ultimately surrendering everything to Jesus through her. His papal coat of arms even bore the inscription “Totus Tuus”, symbolizing his unwavering trust in the Blessed Mother.
His devotion to Mary was not just in words—it was visible in his actions. He frequently prayed the Rosary, promoted Marian consecration, and credited Our Lady of Fatima for saving his life after an assassination attempt in 1981.
The Totus Tuus prayer expresses this complete surrender to Mary’s maternal guidance, inviting her to shape our hearts and lead us ever closer to Jesus.
The Prayer: Totus Tuus
Latin:
Totus tuus ego sum, et omnia mea tua sunt.
Accipio Te in mea omnia. Praebe mihi cor Tuum, Maria.
English Translation:
“I am all yours, and all that I have is yours.”
“I accept you into all that is mine.”
“Give me your heart, O Mary.”
Reflection: Total Surrender to Mary
Pope John Paul II believed that giving ourselves completely to Mary does not take away from Jesus, but rather deepens our relationship with Him. Mary always leads us to her Son, helping us to trust in His will, embrace His love, and grow in holiness.
Consecrating ourselves to Mary means allowing her to shape our hearts, purify our intentions, and guide us toward Jesus in all things. By praying Totus Tuus, we invite Mary to take full possession of our lives—our joys, our struggles, our entire being—so that she may present them perfectly to Christ.
Scripture for Meditation
“Do whatever He tells you.” (John 2:5) – Mary’s words at the Wedding at Cana, encouraging us to follow Christ without hesitation.
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) – Mary’s own surrender to God’s will, an example for us to follow.
These passages remind us of the importance of surrender and trust in God’s plan, just as Mary demonstrated throughout her life.
Personal Reflection: Entrusting Yourself to Mary
- Have you ever considered consecrating yourself to Mary as Pope John Paul II did? Why or why not?
- What would it mean for you to say Totus Tuus—to be “Totally Yours” in devotion to Mary and Jesus?
- How can you allow Mary to guide you closer to Christ in your daily life?
Write a short reflection in your Journal, exploring what it means to surrender your heart to Mary’s care.
A Prayer of Total Consecration
O Mary, my Mother and my Queen,
I give myself entirely to you.
Take my heart, my soul, my mind, my will—
all that I am and all that I have.
Lead me to your Son, Jesus.
Teach me to trust, to love, and to surrender.
May I always live in the grace of your protection,
and may my life glorify God in all things.
Totus Tuus, Maria!
I am all yours.
Amen.
Closing Thought for Mary’s Week 8 Prayer
Pope John Paul II’s life was a testament to the power of complete surrender to Mary. This week, reflect on how you can entrust yourself more fully to her guidance. Pray Totus Tuus daily and allow Mary to lead you closer to Christ in every moment of your life.