In the Catholic Church, the month of May is Mary’s month. It’s the month we honor Blessed Mary as the Mother of Jesus and our Heavenly Mother.
Historians aren’t exactly sure why Month of May was chosen to honor Mary, but many believe that May being the month when spring is in full bloom has a lot to do with it. May is the height of spring—gardens everywhere are alive with blooming flowers and trees are filling their branches with leaves. This new beginning and new birth in nature reminds us of the life Mary gave to Jesus. Without Mary giving birth to Jesus, all the events that followed—Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection—wouldn’t have happened. So, it’s believed that May is the ideal month to honor the woman who gave life to our Savior.
The custom of dedicating the month of May to Mary dates back to the 13th century. But it might come as a surprise to know that it wasn’t until the 18th century when this practice became popular. The practice became common among the members of the Jesuit Order in Rome. The official consecration of May to the Virgin Mary came only on April 29 1965, with the encyclical Mense Maio by Pope Paul VI, where we can read, among many other things: “For this is the month during which Christians, in their churches and their homes, offer the Virgin Mother more fervent and loving acts of homage and veneration. And it is the month in which a greater abundance of God’s merciful gifts comes down to us from our Mother’s throne”.
It’s a Catholic tradition to honor Mary during the month of May by crowning her statue with flowers. The reason why we crown Mary is best summed up by Pope Paul VI who wrote in 1965 that May is an occasion for a “moving tribute of faith and love which Catholics in every part of the world pay to the Queen of Heaven.” The crown symbol is attributed to Mary because she is the Mother of the Son of God, who is our Heavenly King.
In view of these May devotions, the parish has designed a Marian Spiritual Program, “MAY CROWNING IN MY HOME,” through which we invite Mary into our homes and consecrate our families to the tender care of Mother Mary by reciting the rosary with her. As we give honor to her in our homes, let us ask her to intercede with her Son, the Risen Christ, for our families. May she help us in our faith as we treasure Jesus in our hearts and in our homes, ultimately bringing peace to our lives.
“MAY CROWNING IN MY HOME” is a Marian devotional program that lasts thirty-one days. The priest, with group of people, will come to your home with Mother Mary’s statue, pray the rosary, and bless the home with a crowning ceremony. Visits are available from 3:00-7:00pm from May 1st-May 31st. Each visit will last about thirty minutes.
If you and your family would like to have this devotion in your home, please reserve the date and time at the parish office at your earliest convenience. 773.631.4027