Catholic Identity

Celebrating the Month of Mary

May is the Month of Mary. The custom has its remote origins in the days of the Roman Empire. The ancient Greeks dedicated May to Artemis, the goddess of fertility, while ancient Romans dedicated the same month to Flora, the goddess of blooms, or blossoms. They celebrated the festival of ludi florals, or floral games, starting at the end of April and invoked Flora for all that blooms. It was the same Romans who gave the month the name of May, after Maia, the goddess of Spring. 

As Christianity grew within the Roman Empire it was customary for the Church to ‘baptise’ pagan practices or festivals and give them a Christian flavour. It would be only natural that the month of May would eventually be re-dedicated in favour of a Christian personification of Spring, fertility and new life, namely Mary. By medieval times the tradition of Tricesimum, or “Thirty-Day Devotion to Mary,” was well established. The modern practice of a month dedicated specifically to Mary can be traced back to the 17th century, with special devotions organised on each day in May. This custom became more widespread during the19th century and remains in practice today.

In what ways can Mary be honoured in May? The ways of honouring Mary are as varied as the people who honour her. The most common way is through praying the Rosary, either at home or in parishes. It is common for parishes to have a daily recitation of the Rosary during May, and many parishes erect a special ‘May altar’ with a statue or picture of Mary as a reminder of Mary’s month. It’s also traditional to crown a statue of Mary during May – a custom known as ‘May Crowning.’ Usually, the crown is made of flowers representing Mary’s beauty and virtue, a reminder of how we should strive to imitate Mary’s virtue in our own lives. May altars and crownings can also be done in our homes. 

Prayer corners can be erected in any home as a focal point for prayers and devotions. Whether fancy or simple, a prayer corner creates a special atmosphere for prayer and focus around which the family can gather. What Marian prayers can be said together as a family? In addition to the Rosary, there are litanies and specific prayers such as the Angelus, the Regina Coeli, the Memorare and the Hail Holy Queen. Readings from Scripture can accompany these prayers, especially from the Gospels and Matthew and Luke relating to Mary’s role in salvation history. Mary’s great prayer of praise and thanksgiving – the Magnificat – can also be recited and/or reflected upon. 

Finally, May can also be a time to adopt certain popular devotions to Mary such as

the Brown Scapular or Miraculous Medal and study some of her important and approved apparitions such as Guadalupe, Lourdes, Fatima, etc. 

Why have devotion to Mary? Because she is Jesus’ mother and hence Mother of God. At the foot of the Cross, Jesus gave Mary to St John to be our spiritual mother, to care for all the followers of Jesus, day in and day out, without fail, interceding before the throne of God on our behalf for all our needs. For that, Mary deserves an entire month in her honour.

 -  Stephen Kealy, 

    Religious Education Leader

Adapted from - Mary. Devotions, Prayers and Reflections (https://scsreonline.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/mary-1-may-to-15-may.pdf)