The Catechetical Corner
May is the Month of Mary
Today we begin May, the month dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The celebration of May as a Marian month fits well with the liturgical celebrations of Easter and Pentecost as we recall Mary’s great joy in her Son’s victory over death as well as her presence with the apostles prayerfully awaiting the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
The tradition of dedicating the month of May to Our Lady is centuries old, dating back at least 700 years. In 1965 blessed Pope Paul VI wrote an encyclical on the month of May, focusing on the Virgin Mary. He wrote that the piety of the faithful has long dedicated the month of May to the Mother of God. He stated in his encyclical, Mense Maio:
“We are delighted and consoled by this pious custom associated with the month of May, which pays honor to the Blessed Virgin and brings such rich benefits to the Christian people. Since Mary is rightly to be regarded as the way by which we are led to Christ, the person who encounters Mary cannot help but encounter Christ likewise.”
The ways Mary is honored in May are as varied as the people who honor her. It is common for parishes to have a daily recitation of the Rosary in May and to erect a special altar with a statue or image of Mary. In addition, it is a long tradition to crown her statue. Often, the crown is made of beautiful flowers that represent Mary's beauty and virtue, and is also a reminder to the faithful to strive to imitate her virtues. This coronation is in some areas a large celebration, and usually takes place outside of Mass. Altars and coronations in this month are not just parish privileges. In homes, one can also participate fully in the life of the Church.
Article by Roman Flores, Catechetical Coordinator
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