Formation Program

The Crown of Twelve Stars

The Crown of Twelve Stars gives members a progressive path of spiritual growth in prayer, devotion, study, service, and virtue under the patronage of St. Philomena and the protection of the Blessed Mother.

Children of Mary procession

Children of Mary Circles

Young people are encouraged to form circles in their schools and parishes. A circle has at least five members and meets regularly for formation, prayer, and mutual support.

Members pray one decade of the Rosary each day, invoke the aid of St. Philomena, and strive for total consecration to Jesus through Mary in the spirituality of St. Louis de Montfort.

The sign of membership is the Miraculous Medal worn on a broad blue ribbon. The congregation’s motto is Monstra esse te Matrem — “Show thyself a Mother.”

Enroll as a member
A Path of Formation

The Twelve Stars

Silver stars are awarded for completing each stage. Open a star below for an overview of its formation goals.

First Star — Consecration & the Rosary

Formally enroll, make the Act of Consecration after Confession and Holy Communion, study the assigned mystery of the Rosary, pray the Daily Decade, and encourage others to pray. This stage follows two months of active membership.

Second Star — St. Philomena

Study and share the life of St. Philomena, learn her chaplet, practice courage, loyalty, and purity of heart, and memorize the Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love.

Her devotional days include January 10, May 25, and August 11.

Third Star — A Child of Mary

Renew the Act of Consecration daily; reflect on Mary’s purity, humility, obedience, and charity; choose a personal Marian motto; observe the month of May; and learn a Morning Offering.

Fourth Star — The Miraculous Medal

Study Our Lady’s apparitions to St. Catherine Labouré, share and distribute Miraculous Medals with permission, practice loyalty and amiability, and memorize the Memorare. This stage follows six months of active membership.

Fifth Star — The Sacred Heart

Learn about the Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Margaret Mary, spend time in Eucharistic adoration, understand the symbols of the Sacred Heart, and practice prayer, sacrifice, fasting, and abstinence. This stage follows eight months.

Sixth Star — Our Lady of Fatima

Study Fatima and the response of the shepherd children, complete the Five First Saturdays, promote the Rosary and devotion to the Immaculate Heart, and understand regular Confession and the Easter duties. This stage follows ten months.

Seventh Star — The Little Way & Vocation

Study St. Thérèse of Lisieux and her Little Way of humility and trust, learn about a religious community, and speak with a priest or religious about discerning one’s vocation. This stage follows one year.

Eighth Star — Growth in Holiness

Keep a private examination-of-conscience journal for two months, study a virtue important to personal growth, seek St. Joseph’s guidance, and deepen the desire for sainthood. This stage follows fourteen months.

Ninth Star — Sharing the Faith

Study Venerable Pauline Jaricot and the Living Rosary, take part in a concrete work of catechesis or mission, and reflect on Christian suffering and salvation. This stage follows sixteen months.

Tenth Star — The Holy Spirit

Learn the Veni Creator Spiritus, memorize the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, and study the Sacrament of Confirmation. This stage follows eighteen months.

Eleventh Star — Modesty & Purity

Practice modesty and self-control, seek St. Philomena’s intercession, wear or carry her blessed Cord, and complete the Youth for Purity pledge. This stage follows twenty months.

Twelfth Star — True Devotion

Study St. Louis de Montfort’s True Devotion to Mary, grow in humility and perseverance, learn the Magnificat, and solemnly renew the Act of Consecration after Confession and Holy Communion. This stage follows twenty-two months.

St. Philomena

Youth for Purity Program

The program presents St. Philomena as a patroness and friend in the pursuit of purity of mind and body. Participants are encouraged to consecrate themselves to her, wear her Cord, and pray the Cord Prayer daily.

Participants may also make a Purity Pledge affirming the Church’s teaching on the sanctity of marriage and sexuality. The prayer of consecration and pledge certificate are available from the Office of the Director.