In 1965, Pope Paul VI wrote a short encyclical, Mense Maio, on the month of May. He wrote 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. During this month Christians, both in church and in the privacy of the home, offer up to Mary from their hearts an especially fervent and loving homage of prayer and veneration. In this month, too, the benefits of God’s mercy come down to us from her throne in greater abundance.” While we pray to and celebrate Mary throughout the year, in the month of May, we learn about and remember Mary, the Mother of God in a special way. Through our May crowning, praying the rosary, reading scripture related to Mary, and learning more about her life, we honor Mary and her devotion to Christ. By following Mary, we can see the way to love Jesus more deeply and appreciate how much He loves us. This site has wonderful activities parents/guardians can do at home with their children to learn more about Mary and special prayers to honor our patron saint.
