Honoring the Blessed Mother: Simple Ways to Celebrate the Month of May

Each year, Catholics around the world enter the Month of May with a special focus on honoring the Blessed Mother. While some outside the Church may misunderstand this devotion, it’s important to begin with a simple truth: Catholics do not worship Mary—we honor her. Worship is reserved for God alone. Mary is honored because she is the Mother of Jesus, chosen by God to bring Christ into the world, and she continues to lead us closer to Him.

The Month of May Catholic traditions are deeply rooted in beauty and symbolism. As spring brings new life, blooming flowers, and renewed light, the Church turns to the Blessed Virgin Mary—often called the Queen of Heaven and Earth—as a reflection of purity, grace, and spiritual renewal. One of the most cherished traditions is the May Crowning, where a statue of Mary is adorned with a crown of flowers. Many Catholic schools and parishes continue this practice today, especially during a special Mass where children participate in honoring Our Lady with reverence and joy.

This season is not about doing more—it’s about drawing closer to Mary in simple, meaningful ways. If you’re looking to grow in Marian devotion, here are a few approachable ways to celebrate the Month of May.

1. Bring Fresh Flowers to Mary

A timeless and beautiful gesture, offering flowers to Mary is one of the simplest ways to honor her. Place fresh flowers beside a statue of Mary in your home, or bring a single rose to your parish and lay it at her feet. This small act ties directly to the tradition of May Crowning and serves as a visible reminder of love, beauty, and devotion.

2. Pray the Rosary (Even Just a Decade)

The Rosary is one of the most powerful ways to grow in Marian devotion. If praying a full daily Rosary feels like too much, start small. Commit to praying one decade, or set aside time once a week during May. Offer your intentions to Mary, trusting that she brings them to her Son, Jesus. Try pairing this prayer with a daily routine—perhaps during your morning coffee or as you wind down in the evening.

3. Celebrate a May Crowning

If your children attend a Catholic school, consider attending their May Crowning Mass. This tradition is a beautiful expression of honoring Mary as Queen. At its heart, May Crowning is simple: placing a crown of flowers on Mary’s head as a sign of love and reverence. Whether done in a parish, school, or even at home, it’s a meaningful way to take part in these cherished May traditions as a family.

 

 

4. Pray a Marian Devotion for a Special Intention

May is a perfect time to enter into deeper prayer through a novena—a nine-day period of intentional prayer.

 

One powerful devotion is the Our Lady of Sorrows Rosary Chaplet. This prayer invites reflection on Mary’s seven sorrows:

1. The prophecy of Simeon

2. The flight into Egypt

3. The loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple

4. Mary meeting Jesus on the way to the Cross

5. The Crucifixion

6. The taking down of Jesus’ body

7. The burial of Jesus

Walking with Mary through these moments helps us understand her suffering and unwavering faith. 

Another beloved devotion is the Our Lady Undoer of Knots Novena. This prayer focuses on asking Mary’s intercession in the “knots” of our lives—our struggles, anxieties, and burdens. Through her gentle care, we entrust these difficulties to her, trusting that she brings them before Christ with love and patience.

 5. Read and Reflect on Marian Scripture

Mary is not separate from Scripture—she is deeply woven into it. Reflecting on her role in the Bible helps us better understand her importance in salvation history.

Spend time with passages like:

· The Annunciation (Luke 1:26–38)

· The Visitation (Luke 1:39–56)

· The Wedding at Cana (John 2:1–11)

In these moments, we see Mary’s virtues on full display: humility in her “yes” to God, trust in His plan, and quiet strength in service to others. When life feels overwhelming, we can pause and ask ourselves: What would Mary do? She always leads us back to her Son.

And may we never forget one of the most tender moments in all of Scripture. As Jesus hung upon the Cross, in the midst of His suffering, He gave us a final gift—His own Mother. In the Gospel of John, we read:

“When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:26–27, NABRE)

In this sacred exchange, Jesus was not only ensuring care for His mother—He was entrusting Mary to all of us. She becomes our spiritual Mother, given to us out of love in His final moments. This is at the heart of Marian devotion: we turn to Mary because Jesus first gave her to us. And like any loving mother, she gently leads us back to Him.

6. Choose Meaningful Mother’s Day Gifts Rooted in Faith

 

As Mother’s Day falls within the Month of May, it’s a beautiful opportunity to choose gifts that reflect both love and Marian devotion. Faith-filled pieces like a 14K gold Miraculous Medal, an Our Lady of Guadalupe tapestry throw, or a meaningful Mother’s Day Catholic greeting card serve as more than simple gifts—they become lasting reminders of the Blessed Mother’s presence in our daily lives. Whether worn, displayed in the home, or shared with a loved one, these thoughtful items gently point the heart back to Christ through Mary, making them perfect for honoring both earthly mothers and our Heavenly Mother in a meaningful way.

For those who love to share handwritten notes, the Our Lady of Guadalupe blank card set is a thoughtful and versatile option. Featuring original watercolor artwork by Kellyn Queyrouze.

Each of these pieces serves as more than a gift—they become gentle reminders of Mary’s presence in our lives. In giving them, we are not only celebrating those we love, but also continuing the tradition of honoring the Blessed Mother in both meaningful and lasting ways.

 

7. Consecrate Yourself to Mother Mary

For those seeking a deeper spiritual commitment, consider consecrating yourself to Mary. Marian consecration is an intentional act of entrusting your life, prayers, and spiritual journey to her care, asking her to lead you more fully to Jesus.

A beautiful guide for this is Mary’s Mantle Consecration by Christine Watkins. Through this process, many experience a renewed sense of peace, clarity, and closeness to Christ. Consecration is not about replacing your relationship with Jesus—it’s about allowing Mary to guide and strengthen it.

Closing Invitation

This May, choose just one way to begin. Keep it simple. Stay consistent. Let your devotion grow naturally over time. In honoring the Blessed Mother, you’ll find yourself drawn more deeply into the heart of Christ.

A Simple Prayer to Mary

Blessed Mother,
Thank you for your constant love and guidance.
Help me to trust in God as you did,
to say yes in moments of uncertainty,
and to follow your Son with a faithful heart.
Draw me closer to Jesus each day.
Amen.

FAQs

1. Do I need a special rosary to use this booklet?
This devotion is prayed using an Our Lady of Sorrows Rosary Chaplet, which is sold separately at Marie Madeleine in our Chaplet Collection. It is different from a traditional Rosary, as it is specifically designed to meditate on the seven sorrows of Mary and guide you more deeply into her suffering and love for Christ.

2. Why is May dedicated to honoring the Blessed Mother?
The Month of May has long been part of Month of May Catholic traditions, chosen because it reflects themes of new life, beauty, and renewal. Just as spring blossoms with new growth, the Church turns our hearts toward Mary, who is a model of purity, faith, and spiritual renewal. This seasonal devotion invites the faithful to grow in Marian devotion in simple and meaningful ways.

3. Is there a Holy Day of Obligation that involves Mary?
Yes. One of the most important Marian Holy Days of Obligation is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on August 15. On this day, the Church honors the belief that Mary was taken body and soul into Heaven at the end of her earthly life. It is a beautiful reminder of her unique role in salvation history and her closeness to her Son, Jesus.

4. Is honoring Mary the same as worshiping her?
No. Catholics do not worship Mary. Worship belongs to God alone. We honor Mary because she is the Mother of Jesus and a perfect example of faith and obedience to God’s will. In honoring her, we are ultimately drawn closer to Christ, since her role is always to lead us to her Son.