May brings us to a special month to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. Does your parish host a May Crowning in recognition of her role as Queen of All Saints? Such events are often special memories for Catholics, as author Elizabeth M. Kelly shares in May Crowning: A Reflection on a Marian Celebration.
Maybe your school or parish prays a Living Rosary. Read how one parish incorporated lessons on the Rosary and Marian apparitions with a memorable afternoon of outdoor prayer in Lifting Hearts and Eyes to Mary with a Living Rosary and Balloon Release.
Speaking of Marian apparitions, this May 13 we’ll witness the canonizations of two of the children Our Lady of Fatima appeared to: Blessed Jacinta Marto and Blessed Francisco Marto. Learn more about these young saints and find rosary activities to remind us of Our Lady’s call to pray the Rosary for peace.
If you are using Christ Our Life, you may wish to use the special lesson on Our Lady of Fatima in the Grade 5 book during this month. Learn more about the Christ Our Life faith formation program here.
Be inspired in your ministry by Mary, Mother of Catechists by reading the article of the same name by Darcy Osby or 10 Tips for Catechists from the Blessed Virgin Mary by Bob Burnham. Then try what may be a new way of praying for you through colloquy-style conversation with our Blessed Mother.
For a great round-up of Loyola Press resources to help you celebrate Mary as our model of discipleship and model of grace and trust in God, check out the Marian Resources page here. From activities and prayers to book suggestions and a video with the words of Pope Francis on Mary, the page includes plenty of prompts for honoring Mary in your catechetical setting.
How does your school or parish honor Mary during the month of May? Share your stories in the comments below or on our Facebook/Catholic Faith Formation page.
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