The month of Mary: why is May dedicated to Our Lady?

# Mary’s Month

**Mary’s Month** is the Catholic tradition of dedicating the entire month of **May** to the Virgin Mary, with daily devotions, flowers, rosary prayers, and hymns in her honor. It is one of the most popular expressions of Marian piety. This guide explains the origin and meaning of this devotion.

## May, the Month of Mary

The association of May with Mary became firmly established primarily in Italy during the 18th century and spread throughout the Catholic world. May, being the month of spring and flowers in the Northern Hemisphere, was seen as the ideal time to honor “the fairest flower” of creation. In many communities, people pray the rosary daily, crown images of Our Lady, and offer flowers.

## The Magisterium

Popes have encouraged this devotion. Pope **Paul VI** dedicated it in his encyclical *Mense Maio* (1965), urging increased prayer to Mary for the needs of the Church and the world, especially for peace. The devotion of Mary’s Month is simple and familiar, accessible to all ages.

## And October?

In addition to May, the Church also dedicates the month of **October** to Mary under the title of the *Rosary* (Our Lady of the Rosary feast day is October 7). May emphasizes filial tenderness; October, the prayer of the Rosary.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Mary’s Month?

**May** is the Marian month par excellence; **October** is the month of the Rosary.

### How is Mary’s Month celebrated?

Through daily rosary prayers, crowning Our Lady, offering flowers, singing hymns, and small devotional practices in family or community settings.

### See Also

– [How to Pray the Rosary](https://locusmariologicus.org/como-rezar-o-rosario/)
– [The Loreto Litany](https://locusmariologicus.org/ladainha-de-loreto/)