In the Catholic Church and our Catholic school system, May is the Month of Mary, a time in which we honour Our Blessed Mother, Mary. The Christian tradition of dedicating the month of May to the Blessed Virgin dates back to the 13th century.

"This is the month in which, in the churches and individual homes, the most affectionate and fervent homage of prayers and devotions from the hearts of Christians are raised to Mary,” wrote Pope Paul VI in his Encyclical on the Month of Mary, 1967.

During the month of May, an altar is erected in churches and in many homes, with a statue or picture of Mary surrounded by flowers. The altar stands from May 1 to 31 as a reminder of Mary’s importance in our lives and in the life of the Church.

In addition to daily devotions, Marian celebrations include a May Crowning, when a wreath of flowers is placed on Mary’s head in an expression of love and devotion to our Heavenly Mother.

Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death.
Amen.