Every year, the month of May is a special time for the faithful to honor the Virgin Mary. This tradition, firmly rooted in the history of the Church, invites Christians the world over to strengthen their Marian prayer, recite the rosary and make tangible acts of devotion.

The Church has long regarded May as a special month to honor Mary, given her association with the beauty and fertility of spring. This practice was consolidated in the 18th century by prominent religious orders, particularly the Jesuits, who advocated May as a special period for prayer and Marian devotion. The promotion of this tradition was further encouraged by influential popes such as Leo XIII, who published numerous encyclicals emphasising the significance of reciting the rosary in May. Even today, this month presents an opportunity to deepen one’s spiritual connection with the Mother of God.

For centuries, the faithful have offered flowers to the Virgin Mary as a sign of love and respect. These offerings symbolise Mary’s beauty and purity, much like a flower displays its splendor to honor heaven. 

Earlier today before the 8AM Vietnamese Mass at the Cathedral, flowers were offered to a new statue of the Blessed Mother blessed by Father Thomas Aquinas, OP. He mentioned that this same statue will be enthroned in homes chosen throughout the weeks of the year. Such blessing!