May: a month set apart for our blessed Virgin Mary

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May has been dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary for more than 300 years, a tradition that grew from medieval devotions celebrating new life and blossoming creation. By the 18th century, Jesuit communities in Italy encouraged students and families to devote this month to Mary through prayers, especially the Rosary. Pope Pius VII made this tradition official, recommending that the faithful dedicate the entire month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Today, Catholics around the world continue this beautiful custom, honouring Mary as Queen of May through prayer, flowers, and acts of love.

May’s natural beauty with its flowers, light and sense of renewal has long symbolised Mary’s purity, tenderness and spiritual fruitfulness. Therefore, it is a special time to draw closer to her, to entrust our intentions to her and to receive her maternal intercession.

On the feast day of Our Lady of Fatima, last 13 May, Pope Leo XIV emphasises how the Blessed Virgin Mary is the perfect model, member and mother of the Church and the Pope called the faithful to “ask Her to help us, through Her intercession, to respond to what is asked of us through Her example.”

In this regard he asked a series of questions to help us reflect:

“Do I live my participation of the Church with humble and active faith? Do I recognise in her the community of the covenant that God has given me to respond to His infinite love? Do I feel that I am a living part of the Church, in obedience to the pastors given by God? Do I look to Mary as a model, an outstanding member and Mother of the Church, and ask Her to help me be a faithful disciple of her Son?”

Then the Pope highlighted that she is “the mother of the whole Church” as she “brings forth children” in Christ and all the faithful can “turn to her with filial confidence, in the certainty of being heard, protected and loved.”

Our Lady is a model of faith, obedience, humility and charity. Dedicating an entire month to her allows us to anchor these virtues more firmly in our daily lives. It is also an opportunity to take some more time to meditate on the Mysteries of the Rosary, contemplating the life of Christ through the maternal gaze of Mary.

As we journey through this month, may our Blessed Mother lead us ever closer to her Son. Let us imitate her faith, her courage, and her unwavering “yes” to God. May her intercession bring peace

to our homes, healing to our hearts, and renewed joy to our

parish family.

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