Turn Your Hearts Toward Mary this May

For Catholics, May is a natural invitation to turn your hearts toward Mary. As springtime flowers appear and the world brightens, the Church’s love for the Mother of God becomes more visible too—through Marian hymns, parish rosaries, May crownings, and simple family prayers. The custom of honoring Mary in a special way during May developed over centuries (and spread widely in the 18th and 19th centuries), pairing the month’s themes of new life and beauty with the one Christians have long called the “Mother of God” and the “Queen of Heaven.” In other words, May is not “Mary replacing Jesus”—it’s a season that helps us look at Jesus with Mary’s faithful, attentive gaze.

The Catechism reminds us that authentic Marian devotion is always Christ-centered: “The Church’s devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship” (CCC, 971). That line is both freeing and clarifying—loving. Mary is not an optional “extra” for spiritual enthusiasts. Rather, she is a normal expression of Christian prayer, as long as it leads us more deeply into adoration of the Trinity and obedience to Christ.

Live May with Mary

Here are some simple, meaningful ways to live May with Mary, to turn your hearts toward Mary—whether you have five minutes a day or you’re ready to build new habits that last long after the month ends.

Pray the Rosary (even a decade at a time).

May is a perfect month to begin (or restart) the Rosary. If the full Rosary feels overwhelming, pray one decade a day and offer a specific intention—your family, the Church, peace in the world, or a friend who is suffering. The Rosary is a steady school of the Gospel: as we repeat the Hail Mary, we keep pondering the mysteries of Christ with Mary.

Marian Devotions

Plan (or participate in) a May Crowning.

Many parishes crown a statue of Mary with flowers as a public act of love. You can also do this at home: place fresh flowers near an image of Mary, sing a Marian hymn, pray a decade of the Rosary, and end with a simple prayer like, “Mary, lead us to Jesus.” For children, especially, this makes devotion tangible and joyful.

A Place for Mary

Create a “Marian corner” in your home.

Set aside a small space with a statue or icon of Mary, a candle (used safely), and perhaps a Bible. Make it the family’s prayer spot for May. The point isn’t decoration—it’s a daily reminder that Mary is a real mother who draws us into a real relationship with Christ.

Honor Her in Song

Pray the Regina Caeli during Easter time.

Much of May usually falls in the Easter season. The Church gives us the Regina Caeli (“Queen of Heaven”) as a Marian prayer of resurrection joy. Praying it in the morning, noon, and evening is a beautiful way to unite May devotion to the victory of Jesus.

Hang Out with Mary

Spend time with Mary in Scripture.

Choose a few Marian passages and pray with them slowly: the Annunciation (Luke 1:26–38), the Visitation and Magnificat (Luke 1:39–56), the finding of Jesus in the temple (Luke 2:41–52), the wedding at Cana (John 2:1–11), and Mary at the foot of the Cross (John 19:25–27). Ask: What does Mary notice? How does she respond? What is she teaching me about trusting Jesus?

Be Like Mary

Imitate Mary’s “yes” through a concrete act of love.

One of the most Marian things we can do is to serve. Pick one hidden sacrifice each day of May—patience in traffic, kindness in a tense conversation, a sincere apology, a chore done without being asked, a visit or call to someone lonely. Offer it with a simple intention: “Mary, help me love Jesus by loving others today.”

Marian Traditions

Celebrate Marian feast days and traditions during the month.

Look at the Church calendar and mark Marian feasts that land in May. For example, Our Lady of Fatima (May 13) and the Visitation (May 31). Do something special on those days. Go to Mass, pray the Joyful Mysteries, read about the feast, or share a dessert with family after evening prayer.

Turn Your Hearts Toward Mary

Entrust yourself to Mary—because she leads you to Jesus.

If you’ve never spoken to Mary in a personal way, May is a gentle time to start. You don’t need complicated words. You can simply pray: “Mary, Mother of Jesus, be a mother to me. Teach me to do whatever He tells me.” Saints have always emphasized that Mary’s care is meant to bring us to Christ. As St. Louis Marie de Montfort wrote, “The greatest saints, those richest in grace and virtue will be the most assiduous in praying to the most Blessed Virgin, looking up to her as the perfect model to imitate and as a powerful helper to assist them” (True Devotion to Mary, no. 43).

Keep It Small

If you’re not sure where to begin turning your hearts toward Mary, choose one practice and keep it small. Pray one decade a day or one Marian Scripture passage each week. Or spend a few minutes at your Marian corner each evening. Over time, these humble offerings become a real relationship—and that relationship has a direction. Mary never keeps disciples for herself. She forms them for Jesus. This May, ask for one grace: to love Christ with a steadier, braver heart. Then let Mary, our Mother, teach you how to say “yes.”