The Church honors Mary in a special way during the month of May. It invites you to deepen your love and devotion to Our Lady through prayer and contemplating her life.
Many Catholics start, or rededicate themselves to, the Rosary at this time. But there are other creative ways to show your love to the Mother of Our Lord.
Here are five options.
1. Participate in a May crowning.
The May crowning is a traditional Marian devotion that can take place any day during the month. You simply crown a statue of Our Lady with a wreath of flowers. Some parishes have a public crowning ceremony where children are invited to place the wreath on the statue.
If your parish doesn’t do a crowning, you and your family can have one at home.
2. Visit a Marian shrine.
Did you know there’s one Church-approved Marian apparition site in the United States? In 1859, Our Lady appeared in Wisconsin to a young Belgian immigrant named Adele Brise. You can see the apparition site by paying a visit to The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion.
There are several other beautiful Marian churches throughout the U.S., including: the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wisconsin; The Miraculous Medal Shrine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace in Santa Clara, California.
3. Read a Book About Mary.
We have several great titles on EverythingCatholic.com. Whether it’s a book about the power of the Rosary or the Scriptural basis of the Church’s Marian doctrines, you’ll come away with a greater appreciation of our mother in heaven.
4. Add Marian songs to your playlist.
No matter your preferred musical style, there’s a Marian song for you. Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria” is a favorite, even among those who don’t usually listen to classical music. There are also ancient chants, including the “Salve Regina.” Many contemporary artists have written inspirational Marian songs as well.
5. Create a Marian shrine at home.
Make it as simple or elaborate as you want! You can add a table or small altar, candles and a statue of Our Lady. Let your children take part in the planning process. Ask them to contribute artwork and choose items to place in the shrine.
Check out EverythingCatholic.com for many more Marian resources and devotionals to help you grow spiritually this month.
Many Catholics start, or rededicate themselves to, the Rosary at this time. But there are other creative ways to show your love to the Mother of Our Lord.
Here are five options.
1. Participate in a May crowning.
The May crowning is a traditional Marian devotion that can take place any day during the month. You simply crown a statue of Our Lady with a wreath of flowers. Some parishes have a public crowning ceremony where children are invited to place the wreath on the statue.
If your parish doesn’t do a crowning, you and your family can have one at home.
2. Visit a Marian shrine.
Did you know there’s one Church-approved Marian apparition site in the United States? In 1859, Our Lady appeared in Wisconsin to a young Belgian immigrant named Adele Brise. You can see the apparition site by paying a visit to The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion.
There are several other beautiful Marian churches throughout the U.S., including: the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wisconsin; The Miraculous Medal Shrine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace in Santa Clara, California.
3. Read a Book About Mary.
We have several great titles on EverythingCatholic.com. Whether it’s a book about the power of the Rosary or the Scriptural basis of the Church’s Marian doctrines, you’ll come away with a greater appreciation of our mother in heaven.
4. Add Marian songs to your playlist.
No matter your preferred musical style, there’s a Marian song for you. Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria” is a favorite, even among those who don’t usually listen to classical music. There are also ancient chants, including the “Salve Regina.” Many contemporary artists have written inspirational Marian songs as well.
5. Create a Marian shrine at home.
Make it as simple or elaborate as you want! You can add a table or small altar, candles and a statue of Our Lady. Let your children take part in the planning process. Ask them to contribute artwork and choose items to place in the shrine.
Check out EverythingCatholic.com for many more Marian resources and devotionals to help you grow spiritually this month.
