The Militia Immaculatae (meaning the "Army of the Immaculate One"), called in English the Knights of the Immaculata,The Militia Immaculatae of St. Maximilian Kolbe, EWTN is a worldwide Catholic evangelization movement founded by St. Maximilian Kolbe in 1917.Josemaria, Anthony.The Blessed Virgin Mary in England Vol. 1 2008 p. 411
History 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 a Conventual Franciscan, Saint Maximilian Kolbe."Militia of the Immaculata", Pontifical Council for the Laity 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 encourages intercession to the Virgin Mary for the conversion of sinners and enemies of the Catholic Church through the intercession of the Virgin Mary.Mention Your Request Here: The Church's Most Powerful Novenas by Michael Dubruiel 2000 page 63
It was established as a pious union on January 2, 1922, by the Vicariate of Rome.
Joining the MI involves making a personal act of consecration to Mary. Members wear the Miraculous 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 international association of the faithful of pontifical right. MI claims to have over 3 million members in 48 countries.
The organization publishes Miles 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."Militia of the Immaculata", Zenit, Vatican City, June 15, 2006
See also Immaculate Conception Immaculata prayer Niepokalanów Catholic Marian movements and societies
References
Bibliography Smith, Jeremiah J., Saint Maximilian Kolbe: Knight of the Immaculata, 2008 Manteau-Bonamy, H. M., Immaculate Conception and the Holy Spirit: The Marian Teachings of St. Maximilian Kolbe, 2008
External links Official website (in English and Italian) M.I. center at Niepokalanów (in Polish) Militia Immaculatae - international site of the traditional observance (SSPX) Centre National en France (Atelier de Marie)