Why is May the month of Mary?
Catechism Meditation:
After her Son’s Ascension, Mary “aided the beginnings of the Church by her prayers.” In her association with the apostles and several women, “we also see Mary by her prayers imploring the gift of the Spirit, who had already overshadowed her in the Annunciation.” ―No. 965
REFLECTION: May is a special month — it’s no mere coincidence that the Church dedicates the most colorful month of the year to honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary. She has a unique and privileged place in salvation history and in the Church. Because Mary responded yes to becoming the Mother of God, she is our first model of discipleship and our model of grace and trust in God.
May was likely chosen to be devoted to Mary because the month is home to several major Marian Feast Days: Our Lady, Queen of Apostles (the Saturday following the Ascension); Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament (May 13); Our Lady of Fatima (May 13); Mary, Help of Christians (May 24); Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces (May 31); and the Visitation (May 31). A popular tradition within the Church that has endured through the centuries is the May crowning ceremony.
May is normally part of the Easter season, the period of fifty days which lasts from Easter to Pentecost. During this time we celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection from the dead, a celebration which culminates with his Ascension to the Father and the sending of the Holy Spirit to the Church on Pentecost. It is a fitting time to dedicate to the Blessed Virgin Mary, to recall her intense joy over her Son’s Resurrection and the comfort and guidance she gave to the Apostles during this difficult period.
PRAYER. O Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the joyful spirit of Mary. Let us celebrate her example, drawing closer to You in every moment.
Timeless Wisdom Quote:
“As our love does not start with Mary, so neither does it stop with Mary. Mary is a window through which our humanity first catches a glimpse of Divinity on earth. Or perhaps she is more like a magnifying glass; she intensifies our love of her Son and makes our prayers more bright and burning.” ― Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen