Longing for a mission? Look to Mary, the Queen of Heaven and Earth, to find your knighthood.
Every knight is formed for battle — to conquer souls for Christ, but also to protect what belongs to the Kingdom of God. Every knight seeks after the Sacred Heart of Jesus and therefore stands against the enemy to preserve what is good, true, and beautiful. In the Christian life, that sacred charge is the defense of the Church, the Bride of Christ. It is also the defense of the dignity of every human soul.
Protect and Preserve
For us, the knight’s duty to protect and preserve is lived in a particular way. As Franciscan brothers, we serve under the powerful maternal patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Our Blessed Mother forms defenders who are bold and courageous without severity. She forms soldiers for Christ who are stalwart and strong without being haughty. She forms servants who are loyal and obedient without timidity.
Under Mary’s unflagging guidance, nobility is not found in titles or recognition, but in fidelity to the One True King.
Trained by Mary’s Hand
Mary does not draw attention to herself. She directs and draws us always to her Firstborn, Jesus Christ the King. To belong to her is to be trained as Jesus was trained by her loving guidance — in humility, purity, and perseverance. These virtues are essential for every true knight of Christ.
Look to Mary and rediscover your mission. Allow her to shape your heart and lead you more deeply into the service of her Son.
St. Maximilian Kolbe (1894 – 1941), a Polish Franciscan friar, encouraged total consecration to the Blessed Mother. Considering himself a Knight of the Immaculata, he assured the faithful, “Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.”
How Does Mary Form Knights for Christ?
Through humility, purity, obedience, and courage, Mary shapes souls into faithful servants of her Son. She teaches strength without pride, boldness without harshness, and loyalty rooted in love. Under her guidance, a man learns to defend the Church not by force, but by holiness. True knighthood begins with consecration and deep devotion to her Son.