Mary's month

So, it's the month of May and I've always known that this month had something to do with the virgin Mary and motherhood and hallmark, but I thought I'd look into it a little bit more this time and really try to understand what it is about Mary that we love so much.

I love this image of Mary. Not only because it's pretty, but also because it makes it so clear that she is the queen of heaven and earth. I can't even begin to wrap my mind around what it must be like to have that honor as a human being, but Mary was certainly set apart by God to be honored and to mother the Son of Man.

So Mary is queen... I guess I've never spoken to a queen in person before so I don't know how I would act or what I would say. I can guess that I would be pretty nervous. But for some reason, it doesn't seem like we are meant to be nervous around Mary the Mother of G-O-D. And I love St. Therese's quote about Mary saying "she is more mother than queen." This is so true, and I know it is true because of everything that we know about Mary. We know that she is humble. We know that she is sinless. We know that she is loving. What a great combination of virtues for one person (and that's not all of them).

Since it is the month of May, and thanks to Hallmark, our thoughts automatically turn to our mothers, I ask you all to pray some extra prayers to the virgin Mary asking for her intercession. Especially for our country, for all of those who do not know their own mothers, and for those who weren't allowed to be born and know their mother. Mary is everyone's mother (Jesus on the cross said "behold your mother" signifying his gift of Mary and her maternal love and care to the people that he was about to die for).

Here's a great starter prayer for you:

Hail Mary, Full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

for more on Mary and what the Catholic Church says, look here.