Honoring Our Blessed Mother in May

Stained glass window from Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, New Orleans
It is May, the new life of Spring has arrived, and in Catholic Churches in New Orleans and throughout the world the popular refrain of, "Oh, Mary, we crown thee with blossoms today, Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May!" is sung by young and old alike. May is Mary's Month. An entire month set aside to honor our Blessed Mother and aks her intercession for us to bring us closer to her son.

St. John Bosco once said, "If you love her, she will shower on you many graces in this life, and be an assurance to you of Heaven hereafter." Over the centuries, Saints and Holy Men and Women have shown great devotion to Our Lady, speaking with great reverance of her and her powerful intercession to her son on behalf of sinners.

Below are two common prayers to our Blessed Mother:

The Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

The Memorare
REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Stained glass window of Mary's Assumption from St. Mary's Church, New Orleans
Amen.
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