The Catholic Church, in her wisdom and maternal tenderness, dedicates the entire month of May to honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary — the Mother of God, our spiritual mother, and the model of perfect discipleship. For centuries, this month has been marked by special devotions, prayers, and acts of love offered to the one who, by her humble fiat, gave the world its Savior.
A Unique Place in Salvation History
From the moment of her Immaculate Conception, Mary was set apart for a singular mission in salvation history. Chosen by God to be the Mother of His only begotten Son, Mary cooperated fully with God’s plan, not by her own power, but by her complete surrender to His will. Her “yes” was not a one-time act, but a life-long journey of fidelity, suffering, and love — all offered for her Son and, through Him, for all of us.
As Pope Francis reminds us, “Mary is the woman of fidelity, the one who did not understand what was happening to her but obeyed.” (April 2014, Buenos Aires). She trusted when the path was dark. She believed when the Cross loomed largest. She rejoiced even when sorrow pierced her heart.
A Mother’s Love for Her Children
Mary knew Jesus in the most intimate way — not only as her Lord, but as her beloved Son. And just as she cradled Him, protected Him, and followed Him to Calvary, so too does she watch over us, her adopted children, with maternal affection. Her heart is open to all who seek her intercession.
When we feel alone, she is praying for us. When we struggle to pray, she prays in our place. “Mary is there,” Pope Francis assures us, “praying for us, praying for those who do not pray. Why? Because she is our mother.” (Aug. 24, 2021, catechesis).
Our Guide on the Journey to Heaven
Mary’s life is proof that holiness is possible. In her Assumption into heaven, she shows us the destiny that awaits those who remain faithful to Christ. As the Holy Father said on the Solemnity of the Assumption in 2022, “She shows us that heaven is within reach, if we too do not give in to sin, we praise God with humility, and we serve others with generosity.”
She is not only our mother but our Queen, crowned in glory because she bore the King of Kings. Yet even in her exaltation, Mary does not seek attention for herself. She points us always to her Son, saying as she did at Cana, “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5).
A Call to Devotion
During this month of May, let us respond to the Church’s invitation to renew our love for Mary. Pray the Rosary daily. Crown her statue with flowers. Consecrate your family to her Immaculate Heart. Ask her to draw you closer to Jesus, her Son.
In honoring Mary, we do not take away from Christ — we glorify Him by loving the one He loved most on earth. As children who recognize the gift of a mother, we lift our hearts and voices this May in joyful thanksgiving:
“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee…”
