The author of The Secret of the Rosary and the originator of total consecration to Mary, St. Louis-Marie Grignion De Montfort (1673-1716) remains one of the greatest apostles of Marian devotion the world has ever known. As a young priest, De Montfort dedicated himself to preaching to the people. This highly gifted orator s language was simple but full of divine love, much as you will find in True Devotion to Mary. De Montfort s whole life was marked by constant prayer, love for the poor and holy joy in humiliations and persecutions. De Montfort was canonized by Pius XII in 1947.