THE MONTH OF MAY
(aka THE MONTH OF MARY)

May is dedicated to Mary.  Usually there will be a Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary in this month.  Two important feast days to our Lady are Our Lady of Fatima and The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

On May 13th, the Church celebrates Our Lady of Fatima.  During World War 1, Mary appeared to three shepherd children (Lucy Dos Santos, Francisco Marto, and Jacinta Marto) in Fatima, Portugal.  The Miracle of the Sun occurred on October 13th, 1917.  Mary said humanity would have peace if humanity heeded her message – praying for the consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, practicing the First Five Saturday devotion, the Communions of Reparation on the First Saturday of five consecutive months, and praying the rosary daily.

On May 31st, the Church celebrates The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  This feast entered the Church calendar in the 13th or 14th century.  After Mary receives a visit from Angel Gabriel (the Annunciation of the Lord), she visits her older cousin, Elizabeth.  Elizabeth was advanced in age and was past the age for having children, and yet God performs a miracle.  NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD!  The Angel Gabriel informs Mary that Elizabeth is six months pregnant with John the Baptist.  Only Luke’s Gospel mentions the Visitation.

Mother’s Day which focuses on physical mothers, also highlights the fact that Mary is our spiritual mother!  Mary is the mother of all humanity!  We can and should turn to Mary when we need help.  Mary will help us, if we ask for her help and guidance.  After all, Mary wants to bring us to Jesus.