The month of May means that our long wait for spring and warmer weather is finally over. But the month of May has another traditionally Catholic component. 

 

May is a month with particular dedication to Mary. In some ways, the two are connected.

 

Historically, going back even to the Greeks and the Romans, the late spring was celebrated for the signs of new life. Then as now, the greening of previously brown grass and bushes and the appearance of flowers after the melting of the snow was a reminder of the fecundity of creation. This seems to have been the natural impulse to associate those thoughts with the Christian appreciation of Mary and the new life that she bore for the world.

 

This pious practice of honoring Mary in the spring was further formalized at the end of the 18th century. At that time, in Rome, the Jesuit fathers were concerned about the immorality lived by some of the students at their college there. 

 

To meet this challenge, May was dedicated as a special month of devotion to Mary. From there the association of Mary and the month of May became widespread.

 

The role of Mary in the plan of salvation and her intercession for us as our mother mean that we cannot reduce our devotion to her to a simply emotional acknowledgement.

 

It is one of the dangers to our faith that we simply hold for Mary warm memories and thoughts, as if 

for our departed grandmother.

 

For some, there is a concern that devotion to Mary can even be a distraction from Christ. Some non-Catholics have long suggested that the Catholic veneration of Mary mistakenly equates her dignity with that of God Himself.

 

As we know, a healthy and balanced honor of Mary cannot conflict with adoration of God or with our

love for Christ. May, then, is an excellent time to “ramp up” our lived devotion to Mary. 

In that way we fulfill, with St. John, the words of Jesus from the cross, “Behold your mother.” 

(Jn 19:27)

 

How might we make May a special month for our mother? Why not begin with a “walk through” in your house or apartment? 

 

Are there any indications of love for Mary such as the presence of a picture prominently hung, or a statue to remind us of her presence? If not, this would be a great time to address that lack.

 

If there is such a holy image, why not incorporate the intuition of the Greeks and Roman and the Christian faithful by decorating it during this month with signs of spring such as flowers or green sprigs from the garden? 

 

The effort to arrange the flowers will itself remind us of love for Mary. And walking past such a spring shrine throughout the day will likewise turn our thoughts to her.

 

Of course we should be saying the rosary daily throughout the year. But what a positive influence for individuals and the family it would be to turn off the television for a brief while in order to pray the rosary each day of May. 

 

At Fatima, Mary told the three children — and through them the world — that the rosary is a powerful contributor to holiness and to the conversion of sinners.

 

In many parishes, the church makes special efforts to adorn the statue of Mary. And particular devotions, such as the May crowning. are popular seasonal displays of love and affection for Mary.

 

Our Lord has given Mary a very special role in the life and salvation of each one of us. Salvation comes from Christ and Him alone. But Mary points the way to her Son, so use this month to thank the Mother of God and to give her her rightful place in your life and prayer.