The month of May is known in Catholic tradition as the month of the Blessed Virgin, Mary. As we joyfully welcome the flowers blooming after a long winter; we continue to joyfully celebrate the Resurrected Jesus along with His mother, Mary who endured the torture, abuse, and death of her Son on the cross. This May let us honor Mary not just in thought but also in our actions. Mary always said “yes” to God even to the point of obediently suffering the death of her Son. Let us reflect on what God is calling us to do, painful as it might be, and let’s make the effort to do what He is asking of us. As we experience a sense of relief at the introduction of the Covid vaccine, let us pray for our community, country and the world to experience a mindful renewal and a healthy re-opening.
There are many things we can do in May to honor our mother, Mary. We can commit to praying a daily rosary. We can commit to praying for sinners and the souls in purgatory, we can spend time in Adoration of Mary’s Son, Jesus and we can even commit to attending daily mass. We can make a crown of flowers to adorn the head of Mary’s statue at our parish; or we can gather flowers to lay at her feet as an offering of love for her. We can read a book about Mary. In fact, Fr. Quan D. Tran, S.T.L., of the Diocese of Orange, has written a book that gives us the keys to grow in virtue and grace through our relationship with Mary. The book is titled: “The Imitation of Mary” and is available through Sophia Institute Press. This book, published in 2020, includes a foreword by The Most Reverend Kevin J. Vann, J.C.D., D.D.
“The Imitation of Mary” details how Mary is the “perfect model of the dispositions and responses to grace. Further that by imitating the qualities of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we can receive an overabundance of God’s gifts” (p 3). The book highlights the ways in which we can humble ourselves and be open to what God has laid out for us. “The Imitation of Mary” insists on a prayerful contemplation of God’s will and the willingness to accept his plan. It includes chapters on gratitude and praise and finding joy in the Lord. Fr. Quan Tran explains that one of the keys to imitating Mary is to love our neighbor — especially those we may find difficult to love.
Probably the most pertinent part of Fr. Quan Tran’s book for the month of May are his seven suggestions on cultivating a devotion to the Blessed Mother. I have paraphrased his seven suggestions here:
- Display images of Mary throughout your space to remind yourself of her.
- Learn to pray the rosary and commit to praying it “anywhere and at any time: while driving, on a walk, or in bed.”
- Read books about Mary in order to know and love her more fervently. Alternately read books about other saints’ devotion to the Blessed Virgin.
- Make a consecration to Jesus through Mary, entrusting her to intercede for us and guide us to Jesus.
- Explore the different Marian devotions such as the Miraculous Medal and the Brown Scapular.
- Learn the different prayers to Mary: The Angelus, the Hail, Holy Queen, and the Memorare.
- Make a pilgrimage to Marian shrines, such as Fatima, Lourdes and Tepeyac.
Bishop Vann writes about Fr. Quan Tran’s work in his foreword: “His reflections are not only a good summary of Catholic Marian theology; they are also a living testimony of how to walk hand in hand with Mary as a good disciple of Jesus Christ…”
This May, I hope you make some time and take the opportunity to read “The Imitation of Mary” and follow the suggestions for receiving and growing in God’s graces, hand in hand with our Blessed Mother, Mary.
