May altars, May crownings and special devotions to Mary are among the ways the Blessed Virgin is remembered during May, a month set aside to honor the mother of God. Some of the traditions and devotions are centuries old.
In fact, roots of the monthlong observance can be traced to the ancient Greeks and Romans.
In medieval times, May was celebrated as the beginning of new life and eventually, the idea of a month dedicated to Mary evolved, including spiritual exercises honoring her. By the 19th century, May became known as the month of Mary with special devotions for each day.
There are hymns and prayers in her honor. Some people may make pilgrimages to shrines or churches dedicated to Mary. Often the rosary is prayed.
The idea is to pay homage to Mary, the young Jewish girl who said ‘yes’ when asked to become the mother of God.
St. Pope Paul VI in 1974 issued an apostolic exhortation outlining the key role Mary played -- and continues to play -- in the Church. The Church's devotion to her is an intrinsic element of Christian worship. The honor which the Church has always shown to the mother of the Lord, from the blessing with which Elizabeth greeted Mary up to the expressions of praise and petition used today, is a strong witness to the Church's norm of prayer and an invitation to become more deeply conscious of her norm of faith.
A special web resource section, Honoring Our Blessed Mother, includes Marian prayers, videos, and articles on Mary in the Church is available throughout the month.
