Mary has a unique place in salvation history and in the Church. Because she responded yes to becoming the Mother of God, she is our first model of discipleship and our model of grace and trust in God.
Among Catholics, May is most well known as “Mary’s Month,” a specific month of the year when special devotions are performed in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Ancient Greek and Western cultures view May as a month of life and motherhood. This was long before “Mother’s Day” was ever conceived, though the modern celebration is closely related to honor mothers during the spring months.
In the early Church there is evidence of a major feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrated on the May 15th each year, but, it wasn’t until the 18th century that May received a particular association with the Virgin Mary. It was a Jesuit priest in Italy who asked his students to make a vow to devote the month of May to Mary. This practice spread to other Jesuit colleges and to the universal Church.
In 1945, Pope Pius XII solidified May as a Marian month after establishing the feast of the Queenship of Mary on May 31st. After the Second Vatican Council, this feast was moved to August 22nd, while May 31st became the feast of the Visitation of Mary.
The Month of May is one rich in tradition and a beautiful time of the year to honor our heavenly mother.
Below are some Marian Celebrations and Feast Days:
Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God (January 1st)
Our Lady of Lourdes (February 11th)
The Annunciation (March 25th)
May Crownings
Our Lady of Fatima (May 13th)
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church (Day after Pentecost)
Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July 16th)
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15th)
Our Lady of Knock (August 17th)
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (September 8th)
Our Lady of the Rosary (October 7th)
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (November 21st)
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (December 8th)
Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12th)
May Our Lady, Queen of Ireland continue to watch over us and protect us!
Peace and Prayers,
Jim Russell
Catholic Action Chairperson
National Ancient Order of Hibernians