May is the Month Dedicated to Mary Our Mother in Heaven

May is the Month Dedicated to Mary Our Mother in Heaven

Eileen Renders                                                                     May 2024

   In thinking of our beautiful heavenly Mother Mary, and the Mother of Jesus, I am reminded of sweet-smelling flowers and the rosary. It is true for all of us who have faith and practice our faith that we will, or at some time in our lives, have experienced a mystical moment through that faith within us.

   In fervently praying the rosary daily, there was a time in my life upon saying the rosary alone in my bedroom, the smell of sweet perfume filled the air. After completing the rosary, I felt as though I should check for spilled perfume somewhere near my Vanity table. However, as I began to check out the Vanity, I soon became aware that I was completely out of any perfume at all. The hairs on my neck stood up as I recalled reading at one time or another how those who remain faithful to her rosary may at some time, smell her sweetness for she is near. 

   Our lady appeared to the children of Fatima for the first time on May 17th, 1917, and on each 17th of 6 consecutive months. May in the Catholic church was always dedicated to Mary the Mother of God and was celebrated with a “Crowning of Mary” symbolized by a procession of children all dressed in white symbolizing her purity, and completed with an 8th-grade student who went up into the altar and crowned the statue of Our Lady. I remember vividly being that 8th-grade child who had the good fortune of crowning the Blessed Virgin Mary in May. In those days, Catholic Schools were in every community and children were all taught by the nuns.

   May is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God in, Catholic tradition. This tradition became widespread during the 19th century. It’s a time when special devotions are organized each day throughout the month, including the daily recitation of the Rosary. There are erections of special altars, and the crowning of Mary’s statue, a tradition known as “May Crowning”. These practices are meant to honor Mary’s virtues and serve as a reminder for the faithful to emulate her faith, obedience, humility, and love. Let’s pray together for world peace and for the poor souls in Purgatory.