Traditionally, the month of May is dedicated to Our Lady. It provides us with an opportunity to increase our Marian devotion individually and as a family. This month can also serve as a great reminder of the great love Our Lady has for her Son and for each one of us – a love so profound she will always be there to guide and support us! In the words of St. Josemaria Escriva, “Have confidence. Return, call on our Lady and you will be faithful.” 

Looking for ways to increase your Marian Devotion in the Month of Mary? 

Say a weekly family rosary.

The rosary is a powerful prayer and weapon, one we especially need in the world today. In the words of Fulton J. Sheen, “The Rosary is the best therapy for these distraught, unhappy, fearful, and frustrated souls, precisely because it involves the simultaneous use of three powers: the physical, the vocal, and the spiritual…” 

Plus, saying the rosary together as a family establishes the habit at a young age in the hearts and minds of your children; and offers you the opportunity for a plenary indulgence. 

Make a Pilgrimage to a Marian Shrine.

Whether an official Marian Shrine, your local parish, or even an outdoor statue of Our Lady all of these locations can be the place your journey too. Perhaps your family can walk to your local parish, or walk from one local church to another. Often as part of the pilgrimage journey, families will say 3 parts of the Rosary.

Beyond the prayerful dimension of this custom, it can also be an apostolic one. Families can take advantage and invite other families or friends to join. 

Deepen Your Knowledge of Mary.

Using the month of May to read a book about Our Lady can be an excellent way to grow in love for and knowledge of the Blessed Virgin. While there are many great books available, here are a few we recommend: Mary of Nazareth, The Mystical Rose, To Jesus Through Mary, and the recently published The Litany of Loreto. 

Alternatively, together with your children you could read and discuss the various Bible passages in which Mary appears. 

Participate in a May Crowning.

This simple Catholic tradition involves crowning a statue of Mary with a wreath of flowers as a way to honor her as Queen of Heaven and the Mother of God. Although there is no set ritual, often there are Marian hymns sung and a procession.

If you parish doesn’t offer a May Crowning, you could hold your own at home, crowing a statue of Our Lady in a specific room in the house or out in the garden.

Looking for additional resources? The St. Josemaria Institute compiled a Spiritual Toolkit for the month of May full of content to read, watch, and listen to.