Three ways to honor Mary this Month

I remember carrying a delicate crown of white roses down the aisle at church. The scent of fresh blossoms mixed with incense made quite an impression. And I was wearing a white dress with a light blue sash. This was many, many years ago during this beautiful month of May...

I had been selected to crown the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Ever since I started Catholic school, I had watched with awe and longing as other girls placed the crown on Our Lady’s head. Finally, as an 8th grader, it was my turn — a moment I had dreamed of for years.

I walked slowly down the church aisle, each step carrying the weight of devotion and honor. Yet mingled with that reverence was a subtle but undeniable self-centeredness. This was my moment — the one I had waited for. As I ascended the small step ladder, I glanced at the serene face of the Virgin Mary. The statue's eyes seemed to shine with gentle motherly understanding.

As Catholics, we dedicate the month of May to honoring Mary — the Mother of God who is the perfect model of faith and humility, and an intercessor for all of humanity. So in addition to having a May Crowning and practicing acts of humility, charity, and kindness, inspired by her example, here are three things we can do to honor Mary this month:

1. Pray the Rosary Daily:

If you aren’t doing this yet, May is the perfect time to begin. The Rosary is one of the most powerful and beloved devotions in our Catholic faith. By praying the Rosary, we honor Mary and meditate on the life of her Son and Our Savior, Jesus Christ. Each decade offers a window into the sacred mysteries — joyful, sorrowful, glorious, and luminous — allowing us to walk alongside Mary through the pivotal moments of Christ’s life and participate in her role in salvation history.

As we repeat the Hail Mary prayer, we echo the angel Gabriel’s greeting and Elizabeth’s joyful proclamation, drawing us into the beauty of Mary’s fiat — her humble “yes” to God. Through this prayer, we not only ask for Mary’s intercession but also contemplate her maternal love and unwavering faith in all things.

Praying the Rosary regularly can bring peace in times of uncertainty, offer spiritual protection, and deepen our love for Christ. Whether prayed alone in quiet reflection or with others in communal devotion, it is a timeless way to unite our hearts with Mary’s and be led closer to her Son.

2. Reflect on Marian Apparitions:

Throughout history, the Blessed Virgin Mary has appeared to individuals in various parts of the world -- delivering messages of prayer, penance, and hope. Reflecting on these Marian apparitions can deepen our faith and offer profound insights into God’s mercy and Mary’s maternal care for humanity.

Apparitions such as Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico (1531), Our Lady of Lourdes in France (1858), and Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal (1917) have inspired countless conversions and strengthened the faith of millions. Each apparition carries a unique message — calling for repentance, encouraging devotion to the Rosary, or offering miraculous signs of God’s love.

By studying these events, we can grow in our appreciation of Mary’s ongoing intercession. Reading the accounts, meditating on the messages, and even visiting apparition sites (if possible) can foster a deeper connection to her and a renewed commitment to living a Christ-centered life.

3. Plant a Marian Garden:

Creating a Marian garden is a beautiful and tangible way to honor the Blessed Virgin while reflecting on the beauty of creation. Traditionally, Marian gardens contain flowers and herbs associated with Mary, each carrying a symbolic meaning.

For example:

• Roses represent Mary’s purity and love. White roses symbolize her innocence, while red roses recall her sorrows and sacrifice.

• Lily of the valley is a symbol of Mary’s humility and sweetness.

• Marigolds, sometimes called Mary’s Gold, represent her heavenly glory.

• Lavender and sage, herbs with healing properties, can symbolize Mary’s nurturing care.

  
  

Placing a statue or image of Mary in the garden serves as a focal point for prayer and reflection. As you tend to the plants, you can offer prayers or simply spend time in quiet contemplation, allowing the beauty of nature to draw you closer to God.

A Marian garden not only honors the Mother of God but also provides a peaceful sanctuary where you can seek her intercession and find solace in her motherly presence.

Go ahead and get started! And when people ask you why you are doing these things don't be afraid to tell them! Tell them about Mary, her love for them, and how she is always interceding on their behalf. The Blessed Virgin Mary intercedes on behalf of all -- seeking God's favor, mercy, and intervention for the well-being of the world.

We have heard from St. Alphonsus Liguori, "A single sigh from Mary is worth more in God's eyes than the prayers of all the saints combined." Let us take advantage of that sigh and even learn from her fiat. The Blessed Virgin Mary ALWAYS did what God asked.

Learning as I go. Of course, the moment I was asked to crown the Blessed Virgin Mary as an 8th grader, I didn’t hesitate — I immediately said "yes." I knew even then that I would carry that moment in my heart forever. Yet, looking back, I wish I had possessed even a fraction of the humility Our Lady embodies. At the time, I was so caught up in myself that, sadly, I felt the moment was more about me than about her.

By the grace of God, I am continually striving to grow in faith and virtue. My hope is that we can all keep saying yes to Mother Mary, as she so patiently and tenderly reaches out to us. I still remember the gentle, motherly understanding in her eyes from that day long ago — a look that continues to call me closer to her and to her Son