Did you know that May is traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary? There is evidence of an association between Mary and the month of May dating back to medieval times. Sometime around the 17th century, the Tricesimum, or “Lady Month,” became a Christian devotion, which entails 30 days of spiritual exercises devoted to the Blessed Mother. The modern dedication of May to Mary occurred in the late 18th century when a Jesuit priest in Rome started the practice and it caught on throughout the Roman Catholic Church. May is a month where spring is in full bloom and our natural world comes to life, literally and figuratively; it is a time of hope, beauty, and wonder. There are numerous ways to fittingly honor the Queen of Heaven this month. If you have a statue of Mary, make a crown of flowers and have your children or grandchildren crown it. No statue? Keep red and white rose petals at the base of a picture of Mary at home. Pray the Rosary often, perform a consecration to Mary, try out a new devotion, or simply tell our Mother “thank you” each morning for her “Yes” to God. And remember, Jesus more than anyone adores anyone who gives his mother flowers!Written by parishioner, Rick Frantz