Family Corner: May

May 6, 2025

by Family Corner Team

During May, we are still celebrating Easter, and we can continue to focus on making Sundays especially celebratory in our homes. May is also the month traditionally devoted to Mary, however. And Saturdays are the day of the week long associated with Mary.

New life in creation and in the Resurrection remind us of the gift of life from the Mother of all the living. Spring flowers blooming and neighborhood animals with their young bring joy in and of themselves; when we unite our delight with thoughtful reflection within the family, we enrich and expand our understanding and joy. Even while there is so much to do throughout these busy days, time together honoring Mary our Mother can be so blessed.

Time together in the garden, walking to school, or driving to baseball practice is the perfect time to call the family together in prayer. Recite the Hail Mary or Memorare together (See below). Observe how the baby robins and rabbits and squirrels depend on their mothers and recall how we can entrust our needs to Mary.

Many mothers need our help, too. On May 10, bring the family to Lake Harriet to support the Abria Life is Wonderful Fun Run. Nativity has a team participating. Show up and help Abria help mothers and families. See more details here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJCsLqlyisj/

Here are some other ideas for living Easter and Mary's month richly and with joy:

Pray:

Teach and then frequently recite the Memorare:

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known, that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you do I come; before you I stand –Sinful and sorrowful. O, Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen

Eat and do:

A Saturday in May is a perfect day for a family outing. Consider combining an errand with a mini-pilgrimage:

Visit an area farmers market, pick up some fresh Spring vegetables for a simple salad, a bouquet of flowers, and a pretty pot of petunias or other annuals.

Stop at one of the many churches in our area devoted to Mary, like Saint Mary's in downtown St. Paul or the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis. Visit the altar dedicated to Mary or locate her statue. Say the Memorare or a Hail Mary there together. Leave the bouquet as a way of honoring Mary and sharing the beauty of the month dedicated to her.

When you get home, create a small spot in the yard or home where annual flowers can bloom throughout the season in honor of Mary. If you have a small statue or figurine, place it near the flowers. One wise aunt we know taught us to be sure to give the garden plants “a Hail Mary’s worth” of water, saying the prayer while watering each plant or pot. An easy way to pray!