Why Is Mary So Important?

May is such a wonderful time in our faith. While awaiting Pentecost, we witness First Communions and Confirmations, and usually school graduations toward the end of the month. Most importantly, we honor the Mother of Our Lord in a special way. May is the “month of Mary” and it is my hope is that each of us will become closer to her in the coming days.

You may run into questions from non-Catholic friends or family this month. They may be asking why we venerate Mary and they may not understand some of our prayers. I recommend mentioning this: We know that Jesus followed the 10 Commandments perfectly. One of those Commandements is “honor thy Father and Mother.” Since Jesus honored Mary, and we are called to imitate Jesus, we honor Mary just as He did. In fact, one way St. Faustina honored Mary is by consecrating our parish to her through Jesus a year ago (May 13, 2018). There is a plaque on the wall to commemorate that date. Of course there is more to Marian theology, but this one point can be helpful when trying to share your Catholic faith.

This month there are so many ways to grow in your relationship with Mary. Join fellow parishioners in praying the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet every Wednesday morning after the 8:30 a.m. Mass. The Rosary is also prayed every 1st Tuesday of the month after the 8:30 a.m. Mass with the intention of protecting unborn babies and their mothers. The next meeting of the Rosary Makers will be May 17th- this is a great ministry where you can actually make rosaries for parishioners and visitors to our parish. 

In your home, I recommend having a “May Crowning” for Mary and inviting friends to join the fun! This is a great way to show children that Mary is the Queen Mother and our first example of obedient love for Christ. Whatever event you attend or habit you pick up this May, I will pray that you will grow closer to Our Lady and the fruit of her womb, Jesus.