May is traditionally dedicated in a special way to honoring and seeking the intercession of Mary as the Mother of God and Mother of the Church.
“She is that woman who rejoiced in the presence of God, who treasured everything in her heart, and who let herself be pierced by the sword. Mary is the saint among the saints, blessed above all others. She teaches us the way of holiness and she walks ever at our side. She does not let us remain fallen and at times she takes us into her arms without judging us.” —Pope Francis, Gaudete et Exsultate, no. 176
Why Mary stands out among the saints
As the Mother of God, the Virgin Mary has a unique position among the saints, indeed, among all creatures. She is exalted, yet still one of us. Why does Mary have such a prominent place in the communion of saints?
As Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI reflected in Deus Caritas Est (Dec. 2005), “Outstanding among the saints is Mary, Mother of the Lord and mirror of all holiness. Mary’s greatness consists in the fact that she wants to magnify God, not herself. She is lowly: her only desire is to be the handmaid of the Lord (cf. Lk 1:38, 48).”
Mary, more than anyone, can show us Jesus, lead us to him and teach us to know and love him, “so that we too can become capable of true love and be fountains of living water in the midst of a thirsting world.”
Marian Prayers and Devotions
From the USCCB
A Guide to Marian Prayer (Ascension Press)
Related
Pope: Mary is the road we must travel to reach Jesus (Vatican News, January 2021)
Crowning Mary: A May tradition (NC Register)
Celebrating motherhood in May
May is also dedicated to recognizing moms, grandmothers, stepmoms, mothers-to-be and all women who in and through their lives encompass the qualities of motherhood. It’s also important to realize that Mother’s Day can be difficult or painful for women who struggle with infertility, the loss of a child or children, or who are estranged from their own mothers.
Resources
Prayers by and for mothers (Creighton Online Ministries)
Mother’s Day Guide for Parishes (USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities)
Walking with Moms in Need
Pregnancy Support Services | Resources and support for moms and families through Catholic Charities West Michigan
Healing after abortion: Project Rachel
Fertility Support & Education: Franciscan Life Process Center
Pregnancy Support: HELP Pregnancy Aid
More about Mary
Pray the Magnficat/Canticle of Mary (UDayton)
From the USCCB: About Mary | How to pray the rosary | Pray for Life during May
The Marian devotion of May Crowning (Q&A with The Arlington Catholic Herald)
