Confraternities and archconfraternities
Militia of the Immaculata
MI · Militia Immaculatae · Knights of the Immaculata · Knights of the Immaculate · Militia of the Immaculate
St Maximilian Kolbe founded it in 1917Pius XI attached the plenary indulgence
Founded 1917International public association of the faithful founded by St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe, OFM Conv., and six Conventual Franciscan confreres in Rome on 16 October 1917; the US national center is at Marytown, Libertyville, Illinois
SacramentalsThe Miraculous Medal, encouraged rather than required (encouraged, not required).
Open to anyone, today
Free online form.
Enroll nowFill out the enrollment form on the MI page, pick your consecration date, and recite the Act of Consecration on that day; nothing else is required.
Members have a portal to sign in to.
The Militia of the Immaculata is the easiest entry on this list to join and asks for the least structure. You consecrate yourself totally to Mary Immaculate using the act of consecration St. Maximilian Kolbe composed, you have your name entered in the official MI register, and from then on you try to live as her instrument, which in practice means wearing and giving away Miraculous Medals, praying, and bringing people closer to God through Mary. There are no meetings you must attend and no formation program you must finish, though local MI groups and events exist if you want them. It is open to any Catholic over the age of seven, including clergy and consecrated persons. People join because total consecration to Mary is a real spiritual decision and this gives it a concrete form, a date, and a worldwide family.
What you promise
Three steps and no more. Select the date you want your name recorded in the official MI register, preferably a Marian feast day, and fill out the enrollment form. Prepare beforehand through spiritual reading, the Rosary, and Confession on or shortly before the day. On the day itself, attend Mass if possible and recite the Official MI Act of Consecration. After that you are encouraged, not obliged, to wear a Miraculous Medal and pass them on, deepen your consecration, promote Marian consecration to others, and attend local MI events. If you are already consecrated by another formula, such as de Montfort's, you simply renew it using Kolbe's act on your enrollment day. Nobody can enroll another person without that person's knowledge and consent.
What the Church attaches
A Plenary Indulgence is granted by the Church for enrollment in the MI, subject to the usual conditions. This was bestowed on the MI by Pope Pius XI in 1926. Members also receive preparation resources for consecration in various formats, and there is a related branch called Knights at the Foot of the Cross for those offering suffering in reparation.
Enrollment checked 2026-10-22. Details change without notice and parish practice varies. Confirm before relying on this sheet.