Formally known as the Militia Immaculatae, the worldwide Catholic evangelization movement is also known as the Militia Immaculata, the Army of the Immaculate One, the Knights of the Immaculata, or the Kolbe Missionaries. Founded by Saint Maximilian Kolbe in 1917, the organization was first housed at the Saint Bonaventure Pontifical Theological Faculty, now known as the International College of the Conventual Franciscans. Kolbe took his idea for the organization to his Jesuit spiritual director, as well as to his Franciscan Superior at the house of studies in Rome, and was encouraged in his plan. The primary focus of the Militia Immaculatae is to draw souls back to the knowledge of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary though personal Acts of Consecration to the Immaculata. Its goal is to promote the conversion of sinners, heretics, schismatics, Jews, and others who have rejected the teachings of the Church; above all, the Freemasons. Its other goal is that of the sanctification of everyone under the protection of the Immaculata. The Vicariate of Rome established the Militia Immaculatae as a pious union in 1922. The organization soon spread to other countries, and was declared an international association of the faithful of Pontifical Right in 1997. Membership in the MI requires a personal act of consecration to Mary, and members wear the Miraculous Medal as a sign of their consecration. Members who meet the basic requirements of the movement are called MI-1, which serves as the primary level of membership. Those who push their zeal to binding themselves to a more detailed set of bylaws may achive the status of MI-2, while those who undertake not to omit any possible means are known as MI-3. The organization publishes Miles Immaculatae, a magazine of Marian culture and Kolbian formation, particularly for priests and pastoral workers, which is now the official publication of the International Center.
Recommended Resources
Located in Libertyville, Illinois, Marytown is the National Center of the Militia Immaculate, a global evangelization movement founded by Saint Maximilian, and the site of the National Shrine of Saint Maximilian Kolbe. Biographical data regarding Kolbe is put forth, and an overview, schedules and other information about its Adoration Chapel, retreats, conferences, and pilgrimages are included. Contributions may be made through the site.
https://marytown.com/
Formed in 1917, the year of the 200th anniversary of the Freemasons, the MI has a special mission to combat the evils of Freemasonry. Its origins, purpose, organizational structure, and expansions are discussed, along with a biography of its founder, Maximilian Kolbe. Other resources include literature from the Militia Immaculatae, video, and an online shopping area offering books and other literature, apostolate kits, and the Miraculous Medals worn by members.
https://militia-immaculatae.info/en/
Militia of the Immaculata Canada
The history of the Catholic MI is put forth, including its founder and its spread to North America and Canada, and a list of its facilities and programs. An overview of MI Villages, which are smaller versions of the Cities of the Immaculate, where people can gather for prayer, study and evangelization, is included, including the steps for starting new ones and a list of such Villages throughout Canada. The Knights at the Foot of the Cross, an outreach within the MI movement, is also featured.
http://consecration.ca/
Militia of the Immaculata in the Midwest
Representing the Militia of the Immaculata for the Kansas City-Saint Joseph diocese and the Kansas City, Kansas archdiocese, the site offers information about the formation and preparation necessary to become a member of the MI, as well as a history of the Catholic institute, a biography of it founder, Maximilian Kolbe, and an overview of its mission and services. Locations and contacts are included.
http://www.consecration-midwest.org/
Militia of the Immaculata Youth & Young Adults
The MI is a spiritual movement approved by the Vatican, with more than four million members internationally, founded by Saint Maximilian Kolbe in 1917. Its Youth and Young Adults group is committed to providing young Catholics with Catholic formation in the Franciscan spirit and mission of the Saint Kolbe. Its mission, ideals, leadership, and programs are highlighted, along with brochures, documentation, photographs, and contacts.
https://miyouth.org/
The Militia of the Immaculata (MI) is an international evangelization movement within the Catholic Church. Founded by Saint Maximilian Kolbe in 1917, the MI encourages full consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a means of spiritual renewal. Open to all Catholics over the age of seven, the MI depends on prayer as its chief weapon in its spiritual battle with evil. Its history, locations, symbology, and publications are highlighted.
http://www.missionimmaculata.com/
Saint Maximilian Kolbe, the founder of the Militia of the Immaculata, wished to establish local prayer groups, called prayer villages, as part of the MI. Established in 2014, the Village of the Immaculata is the local MI village in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. An overview of Marian consecration, membership in the MI, a monthly prayer meeting format, photographs, and schedules are featured.
http://www.immaculatavillage.org/
