May holds a special place in the heart of the Catholic Church as the month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This tradition, deeply rooted in centuries of devotion, reflects the Church’s desire to honour Mary with particular reverence during one of the most beautiful and life-affirming times of the year.

Historical Roots of the Devotion

The association of May with Mary dates back to at least the 13th century. By the Middle Ages, Christians began dedicating the entire month of May to the Mother of God, seeing it as fitting to honour the one who gave life to Christ during a season that celebrates natural life and renewal.

A Month of Beauty and New Life

May is a time of blooming flowers, warmer weather, and the reawakening of the earth after the cold of winter. This sense of renewal mirrors the spiritual life Mary calls believers to embrace — a life open to grace, peace, and new beginnings. Just as nature bursts into bloom, so too does the Church’s devotion to Mary flourish in May, marked by May crownings, Marian processions, and the daily praying of the Rosary.

Theological and Spiritual Significance

Mary holds a unique place in Catholic theology as the Mother of God (Theotokos), the first disciple, and the model of perfect faith and obedience to God’s will. Dedicating May to Mary provides the faithful an opportunity to reflect on her role in salvation history and her ongoing presence in the life of the Church. She is seen as a powerful intercessor, a source of comfort, and a guiding star leading Christians to Christ.

Pope Paul VI, in his 1965 encyclical Mense Maio, emphasized May as a time to seek Mary's intercession for peace in the world and for the Church's needs. He wrote, “We are delighted and happy to recall that the month of May is especially dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary… during this month, Christians, both in church and in the privacy of the home, offer up to Mary from their hearts an especially fervent and loving homage.”

Expressions of Marian Devotion in May

Many Catholic communities hold special devotions during May, such as:

• May Crownings – Statues of Mary are crowned with flowers, often by children, symbolizing her queenship and purity.
• Rosary Processions – The faithful gather to pray the Rosary and Litany to the BVM, meditating on the life of Christ through the eyes of Mary.
• Marian Altars – Homes and churches set up altars with flowers, candles, and images of Mary.
• Feast Days – May includes several Marian feasts, such as Our Lady of Fatima (May 13) and the Visitation (May 31).

Conclusion

Dedicating May to Mary is a long-standing tradition that continues to inspire Catholics around the world. It is a month that lifts hearts and minds to the Mother of God, inviting all to follow her example of love, humility, and unwavering trust in God's plan. In the beauty of spring, the Church finds a perfect reflection of Mary's own spiritual beauty and her essential place in the Christian journey.

The Litany of Loreto: An Ancient Prayer for Today’s World

The Litany of Loreto, also known as the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, has been a cherished part of Catholic prayer for centuries. Approved by Pope Sixtus V in 1587, it takes its name from the Marian shrine in Loreto, Italy — a place of pilgrimage and deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin.

This beautiful litany offers a series of invocations to Mary, each one highlighting a different aspect of her identity: Mother Most Pure, Health of the Sick, Queen of Peace, Mirror of Justice, and many more. Each title reflects not only a theological truth, but a source of hope and encouragement for the faithful in every age.

Why It Still Matters Today

In our modern world — marked by uncertainty, conflict, and anxiety — the Litany of Loreto is more relevant than ever. Through these ancient titles, we call upon Mary to help us navigate our times:

• As Mother of Mercy, she reminds us that God’s love never abandons us.
• As Comforter of the Afflicted, she stands with all who suffer — in body, mind, or spirit.
• As Queen of Families, she offers a model for unity and peace in our homes.
• As Help of Christians, she intercedes for the Church as we face new challenges to our faith.

These invocations are not empty poetry; they are heartfelt pleas from a people who trust that the Mother of God still walks with us.

A Parish Tradition of Prayer

To deepen our devotion to Mary during the month of May, we will pray the Litany of Loreto after each Mass in our parish. We invite all parishioners to stay after Mass and join in this time-honoured prayer. Together, we will lift up our intentions, entrust our needs to Mary’s maternal care, and renew our faith in her powerful intercession.

Let us make this May a time of renewed love for the Blessed Mother — and through her, grow closer to Christ her Son.

“Holy Mary, pray for us. Queen of Peace, pray for us. Mother of the Church, pray for us.”

You Are Cordially Invited to join us in the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 6:00 PM with Bishop William McGrattan presiding.

We will joyfully witness 20 young people from our parish receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Please keep them in your prayers as they take this important step in their faith journey.

All are welcome.

Adoration Cancelled
There will be no Adoration on Thursday, May 1, 2025, as we will be preparing for the Confirmation Celebration that is at 6:00 pm. Regular Adoration will resume on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 9:45 am to 9:00 pm.

It is with great sadness we are announcing that Patti Keats, a long time parishioner of St. Francis de Sales, and resident of Seasons HR passed away on April 24th, 2025 Lee Amlin and her team at Seasons HR have been providing exemplary faith support for Patti for a number of years A Funeral Mass will be held at a later date.

A Memorial Mass for the Intention of Pope Francis
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful ones.” – Psalm 116:15

Fr. Mariusz invites you to join in a special Memorial Mass to offer prayers for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis on Friday, May 2, 2025 at 9:15 AM at St. Francis de Sales Parish.

Together, let us give thanks for the life, witness, and shepherding heart of Pope Francis, entrusting him to the mercy and peace of our loving God.

In the spirit of faith and unity, let us gather as a community to lift our hearts in prayer.
Your presence will be a blessing. All are welcome.