A Time of Prayer, Beauty, and Hope
Since the late 16th century, the month of May has traditionally been dedicated to the Virgin Mary, inviting the faithful to turn to her with prayer and trust. This practice, initiated in Rome by Saint Philip Neri, involved offering flowers to Mary—symbols of the virtues meant to blossom in each person’s life.
As Father Renaud Saliba reminds us:
“The Month of Mary is not only a beautiful act of devotion to the Virgin Mary, but also a commitment to grow in holiness day by day.”
Approved in 1815 by Pope Pius VII, this tradition has spread widely throughout the Church and remains today a meaningful time for reflection and spiritual growth.
A Spiritual Journey During the Easter Season
The month of May unfolds within the Easter season, between the Resurrection, the Ascension, and Pentecost. Rather than standing apart, Marian devotion enriches this period by inviting us to fully embrace the joy of new life.
It is a time to cultivate Gospel virtues through the strength of the Spirit, following the example of Mary—a woman of faith and trust.
A Living and Inspiring Tradition
The Month of Mary is also an opportunity to return to simple, meaningful gestures: praying, reflecting, offering time, or performing acts of kindness.
“It is the Month of Mary, the most beautiful month of all,
To our beloved Virgin, let us sing a joyful song.”
(Hymn)
But today, how can we express our love for Mary? How can we nurture this relationship in our daily lives?
Mary: A Presence That Inspires
The poem Bellezza (The All-Beautiful) invites us to contemplate Mary in both her simplicity and her greatness:
God looked upon a woman. Her name was Mary.
And she believed despite the darkness
and the doubts that filled her heart.
And from her, God himself was born,
bringing with Him salvation and peace.
From that moment on, her name is sung,
because God chose her—Mary,
one of us. Our sister and our mother.
A Call to Prayer and Hope
For the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), the month of May is an invitation to deepen their relationship with Mary, to draw inspiration from her faith, and to entrust to God the joys and challenges of our world.
During this Month of Mary, everyone is invited to turn to her in prayer and to let a renewed sense of hope grow within.
Hail Mary, full of grace!