As the frost finally retreats and the world bursts into bloom, there’s a distinct shift in the air. For many, May is simply the gateway to summer. But in the Catholic tradition, May carries a deeper, sweeter significance: it is the Month of Mary.
Whether you grew up participating in "May Crownings" or you’re just looking for a bit of spiritual grounding amidst the chaos of school runs and laundry piles, understanding the "why" behind this month can offer a beautiful perspective shift—especially for mothers.
The Roots of the Tradition
Why May? It wasn’t an accidental choice. Historically, May has been associated with new life.
-
Ancient Beginnings: In Greek and Roman times, May was dedicated to goddesses of fertility and bloom.
-
Christian Transformation: By the Middle Ages, the Church "baptized" these seasonal celebrations, redirecting the honor toward the Blessed Mother as the one who brought the ultimate "New Life" into the world.
-
Formalization: By the 18th century, the "May Devotion" as we know it—thirty days of specific prayers and honors for Mary—became a staple of the liturgical year.
Why This Matters for Mothers
It’s easy to look at a statue of Mary—composed, silent, and draped in pristine blue—and feel like she’s a world away from a mom scraping burnt oatmeal off a pot or navigating a toddler’s meltdown. But the Month of Mary is actually a profound invitation for mothers to find their own reflection in her life.
1. Solidarity in the "Invisible" Work
Mary’s life wasn’t just the "big moments" (the Annunciation or the Wedding at Cana). It was decades of hidden, quiet service in Nazareth. She understood the weight of the mundane. When we celebrate Mary in May, we are celebrating the sanctity of the everyday. It’s a reminder that the small acts of love we perform for our families are seen and valued.
2. A Blueprint for Resilience
Motherhood requires a unique brand of strength. Mary stood at the foot of the Cross; she navigated displacement in Egypt; she felt the anxiety of a "lost" child in the Temple. She isn’t a porcelain figure; she is a woman of grit. In May, we lean on her as a mentor for those days when our own strength feels paper-thin.
3. The Power of "Yes"
The "Fiat"—Mary’s "Yes" to God—changed the world. As mothers, we say a thousand "yeses" a day. Yes to the 3:00 AM wake-up call, yes to the emotional support, yes to the sacrifice of our own plans. Mary reminds us that these "yeses," though they feel small, have eternal echoes.
Simple Ways to Celebrate This Month
You don’t need a cathedral-sized budget or hours of free time to honor this tradition.
| Practice | How to do it |
| The "May Altar" | Place a small statue or picture of Mary on a shelf with a vase of fresh wildflowers picked by the kids. |
| Garden Prayer | Since May is about blooms, say a quick prayer while weeding or watering your plants. |
| A "Mom’s Minute" | Take 60 seconds of silence before the kids wake up to ask Mary for her patience and perspective. |
"To honor Mary is to go to Jesus. We don't stop at the mother; we let the mother lead us to the Son."
This May, as the lilacs bloom and the days grow longer, take a moment to breathe. You aren't just "managing a household"—you are participating in the same profound, life-giving work that Mary did centuries ago.
Happy Month of Mary to all the moms doing the beautiful, hidden work of love.
