May: the Month Dedicated to the Blessed Mother

05-01-2020Monthly Devotions

The month of May is the "month which the piety of the faithful has especially dedicated to Our Blessed Lady," and it is the occasion for a "moving tribute of faith and love which Catholics in every part of the world [pay] to the Queen of Heaven. During this month Christians, both in church and in the privacy of the home, offer up to Mary from their hearts an especially fervent and loving homage of prayer and veneration. In this month, too, the benefits of God's mercy come down to us from her throne in greater abundance" (Paul VI: Encyclical on the Month of May, no. 1).

The pious practice of honoring Mary during the month of May has been especially recommended by the Popes. Paul VI wrote a short encyclical in 1965 using the Month of Mary devotion as a means of obtaining prayers for peace. In May of 2002 Pope John Paul II said, "Today we begin the month dedicated to Our Lady a favorite of popular devotion. In accord with a long-standing tradition of devotion, parishes and families continue to make the month of May a 'Marian' month, celebrating it with many devout prayers and devotions.

The following practices which are recommended by the Church are offered as suggestions for honoring Our Lady during Her month: The Regina Caeli, The Rosary, Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Consecration and Entrustment to Mary, The Brown Scapular and Medals.

Since public Masses more than likely will be suspended until at least May 15th, be sure to have a May Altar in your home this Month of May showing your love to our Blessed Mother.

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