May is the Month of Mary and Blessed Mary has appeared many times throughout the centuries to various children and adults bringing with her pivotal messages. The messages in all of her apparitions carry a similar theme:
Fatima:
Guadalupe, Mexico:
Catherine Laboure:
The similar theme through many of Mary’s apparitions is: to pray often, to turn away from sin, and to open our minds and hearts to God. Mary’s role has always been to guide all people to her son, Jesus. She asks us to become devoted to her, to remember her, and to seek her in times of anguish, trials, and turmoil, so that she can be our intercessor before her Son.
History Behind the Tradition of the Month of Mary
While we should honor Mary all year, May is an especially important month to remember our Blessed Mother. Historians believe the month of May was chosen to honor Mary because it is the height of the spring season, where gardens are filled with blooming flowers. This new beginning and new birth in nature reminds us of the life Mary gave to Jesus. Another belief as to why May was chosen dates back to the ancient Romans. Ancient Roman culture linked the month of May to Flora, the goddess of bloom and blossoms. The month of May was the official beginning of spring in the Roman culture and the Romans celebrated ludi florales (floral games) as a preparation for entering into the beginning of spring.
Why Should We Be Devoted To Mary?
From her conception, Mary was created “full of grace,” born without the stain of original sin. She was specially chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus, and is the finest example of what it means to be completely obedient to God, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”
As the mother of Jesus, Mary played a direct role in our salvation. She was the one entrusted to carry and give life to the Son of God.
Mary is the perfect model of virtue. She shows us what it means to surrender our lives to God and to trust in Him to receive all of our gifts. She shows us how to be pure in mind and spirt and is our guide to finding true happiness in God.
How to Honor Mary This May
There are several activities you and your family can take part in to honor Mary this May. Consider adopting the following traditions this May and every May going forward:
Pray the Rosary as a Family:
Create a Mary Prayer Garden:
Participate in a May Crowning:
Mary in Plain Sight:
Marian Prayers:
in addition to the rosary, there are many Marian prayers that you can recite during this month, including the Memorare, Hail Holy Queen, Magnificat, and The Angelus. Print them out, or purchase a book of prayers to keep handy.