Did you know that the Catholic tradition designates a unique devotion for each month of the year? As we journey through this year, let us take the opportunity to delve into each devotion month-by-month, and strengthen our faith and spiritual heritage! You could jot down reminders, mark your calendar, and commit to reciting a specific prayer every day of the month to help you stay on track. Whether you choose to use a prayer that’s already associated with the devotion or create one of your own, the key is to remain focused and consistent.
For the month of May, the focus is on Mary, Queen of Heaven, offering a wonderful occasion to cultivate our connection with the Holy Mother of Christ. Our personal relationships with our earthly mothers shape how we perceive and relate to Our Holy Mother Mary. As our spiritual mother, Mary has much to teach us and immeasurable love to bestow.
Marian Feast Days In May Include:
- May 13 – Our Lady of Fatima (on which you can receive an indulgence)
- May 24- Mary Help of Christians (a good day to pray for our brothers and sister around the world)
- May 31- The Visitation (a good day to pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary)
When Jesus Christ hung on the cross for us, He didn’t forget about His beloved mother. In John 19:26, He tenderly says to Mary, “Woman, here is your son.” And in the next verse (John 19:27), He instructs the disciple John, “Here is your mother.” From the time of the apostles and early church fathers, Catholics have believed that this exchange was not just about ensuring that Mary was taken care of. After all, practical arrangements for her care could have been made earlier or after Jesus’ death by His devoted followers who would never abandon her. No, this exchange means something much more profound – Jesus was giving us His mother as our own, and us to her as her beloved children.
It’s a momentous gift of maternal love that we should never neglect. Each of us has a unique relationship with Mary, but we can all strive to strengthen our connection with her. And if you’re struggling in your relationship with her, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Check out our post for some helpful tips.
Reflection Questions For May
- What images of Mary speak to you most? It could be a statue, painting, icon, or other Marian representation.
- Have you ever struggled with or neglected your relationship with Mary?
- How do we defend the Marian Dogmas of our faith, such as the Immaculate Conception, Perpetual Virginity, Mother of God, or Assumption?
- What virtue of Mary do you aspire to imitate most in your life dedicated to Christ?
- When did you last speak with another about your love of Mary?
- How do mothers in your life, both physical and spiritual, remind you of Mary?
May Challenge For Catholics:
Pray the Rosary every day this month or try to memorize the Magnificat (https://catholic-link.org/magnificat-mary-intercessory-love/ ) by praying with the Blessed Virgin Mary daily, and choose at least one Marian feast day this month to celebrate. Remember in your most difficult moments that Our Father gave us Mary to help us.
May Feast Days
- May 1: St. Joseph the Worker
- May 2: St. Athanasius
- May 8: St. Phillip and St. James
- May 10: Mother’s Day
- May 14: The Ascension of the Lord
- May 13: The Feast of Our Lady of Fatima
- May 15: St Isidore
- May 17: St. Paschal Baylon
- May 20: St. Bernardine
- May 22: St. Rita
- May 24: Pentecost | Feast of Mary Help of Christians
- May 25: St. Bede | St. Madeleine Sophie Barat
- May 26: St. Philip Neri
Catholic Books About Mary
- St. Louis de Montfort’s True Devotion to Mary and Preparation for Total Consecration
- Hail Holy Queen: The Mother of God in the Word of God by Scott Hahn
- 33 Days to Morning Glory by Michael E. Gaitley
- Introduction to Mary or Meet Your Mother by Mark Miravale
- The Secret of the Rosary by St. Louis de Montfort
- A Book of Marian Prayer by William G. Storey
- Walking with Mary by Edward Sri
- John Paul II’s Book of Mary by Margaret Bunson
- Saint John Paul the Great: His Five Loves by Jason Evert
What is your favorite book, quote, or devotion to Mary? Share in the comments!
Catholic Prayer For May
Learn the Memorare this month!
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, That never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, Implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, Was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; To thee do I come, before thee I stand, Sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, Despise not my petitions, But in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Catholic Mother’s Day Quotes And Resources
We also honor our own Mothers this month. Check out some of our Mother’s Day posts!
