The Blessed Virgin Mary

Why do Catholics honor Mary so deeply? It is because she is the model of what it means to be a Christian. She was the first disciple, and she remains the most faithful one.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that her role didn't end when Jesus ascended to heaven. She continues to look after us.

When we pray to Mary, we aren't bypassing Jesus. We are asking her to take us by the hand and lead us to Him, just as she did at the wedding in Cana.

"From the cross, Jesus gave her as mother to his disciple... 'Behold your mother.' ... By her complete adherence to the Father's will, to his Son's redemptive work, and to every prompting of the Holy Spirit, the Virgin Mary is the Church's model of faith and charity." (CCC 963, 967)

The most touching moment of Mary’s motherhood happened at the foot of the Cross. In His final moments, Jesus wasn't worried about Himself; He was making sure we were taken care of.

We are that disciple. In Elmendorf and Saspamco, we "take her into our homes" by placing her image on our walls and her love in our hearts. She stood by her Son in His darkest hour, and she stands by us in ours.

"When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, 'Woman, behold, your son.' Then he said to the disciple, 'Behold, your mother.' And from that hour the disciple took her into his home." (John 19:26-27)

1. Flowers for Mary (Las Flores de Mayo)

It is a beautiful custom to bring flowers to the church or to a home altar. If you have roses or wildflowers growing in your garden, cut a few and place them before an image of Mary in your home. It is a simple gesture of love and gratitude.

2. The May Crowning

Participate in our parish May Crowning. Watching our children place a crown of flowers on Mary’s statue is a reminder that she is the Queen of Heaven and Earth. But you can also do a "mini-crowning" at home—clean up your family altar and pray a Hail Mary together.

3. Pray the Rosary

The Rosary is the weapon of our times and the comfort of our souls. Try to pray it as a family this month. If a whole Rosary is too difficult with little ones, start with one decade (10 Hail Marys). As the saying goes, "The family that prays together, stays together."

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me.

Amen.

The Memorare: A prayer of confidence in her protection.

Early Roots (13th Century):

The idea of dedicating a month to Mary, sometimes called "Lady Month," began in medieval times, often linked to spring festivals and floral customs from ancient Rome honoring Flora, but focused on Mary's purity and new life.

Jesuit Popularization (18th Century):

The modern form started with Father Latomia at the Roman College of the Society of Jesus (the Gesu) around the 1700s to promote virtue among students, spreading rapidly through Jesuit schools and then the wider Church.

Papal Indulgences:

Pope Pius VII (1815) and Pius IX (1859) granted indulgences for participating in May devotions, further encouraging the practice. 

May Crowning:

A central ceremony where a statue or image of Mary is crowned with flowers, symbolizing her Queenship (Queen of Heaven), a tradition merging earlier crowning customs with the month-long devotion.

May Altars:

Families and parishes create special shrines with Mary's image, often decorated with flowers, to focus prayer.

Daily Rosary:

The daily recitation of the Rosary, especially the Glorious Mysteries (which include the Coronation of Mary), is a common practice.

Processions & Pilgrimages:

Some parishes hold solemn processions with Mary's statue or visit churches dedicated to her.

Personal Devotion:

Catholics create prayer corners at home, offer special prayers (like the Hail Mary), and focus on Mary as a model of faith, discipleship, and intercession. 

Meditation & Study:

Reading scripture, lives of saints (like St. Ignatius of Antioch), and Church teachings on the Eucharist is encouraged.

Significance

Honors Mary as the Mother of God, the first disciple, and the Queen of Heaven.

• Provides a beautiful way to celebrate spring, new life, and God's creation through Mary's virtues.

• Fosters devotion to Jesus by honoring His Mother, encouraging families and individuals to grow closer to Christ through her.