May is a special month for Christians around the world. It is a time of flowers, of spring, and above all, of looking with love to the Virgin Mary. The Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome invites us this year to deepen that devotion with a series of gatherings and prayers under the theme "A Month with Mary." This program, filled with moments of reflection and praise, seeks to draw us closer to the Mother of Jesus, who always leads us to her Son.
The basilica, which holds the mortal remains of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, becomes a place of pilgrimage and prayer. There, the faithful can find comfort and strength in Mary's intercession. As the Gospel of Luke says: "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!" (Luke 1:45, NIV). Mary's faith is a model for all of us.
Featured Activities for the Month
The program begins on Friday, May 1, with the recitation of the Rosary in the atrium of the basilica, presided over by Msgr. Luis Manuel Herrera. This prayer, so beloved by Catholics, will be broadcast live on Telepace and the church's social media channels. It is an opportunity to unite as a community, even from home, meditating on the mysteries of Christ's life.
On Tuesday, May 19, at 7:00 PM Rome time, the second session of the Lectio Mariae will take place, titled "Mary's Song." This event, in collaboration with the Cortile dei Gentili Foundation, invites us to reflect on the Magnificat, that beautiful canticle of Mary found in Luke 1:46-55. There, she proclaims the greatness of God and his love for the humble. It is a reading that challenges us to live with gratitude and justice.
Additionally, every day of the month, the Rosary can be prayed at 11:30 AM in the Chapel of the Crucifix and at 5:00 PM in the Pauline Chapel. Consistency in prayer opens our hearts to God's grace.
The Sacred Cradle of Jesus
On Monday, May 25, a special Eucharist will be celebrated at the place where a reliquary is kept containing fragments of wood that tradition identifies with the sacred cradle of Bethlehem, the manger where Jesus was laid. This moment connects us with the humility of our Savior's birth. It is a reminder that God made himself small out of love for us.
The Ancient Akathistos Hymn
On Saturday, May 30, at 9:00 PM, the Akathistos hymn will be recited, a hymn of praise to the Mother of God dating from the 5th century. This hymn consists of 24 stanzas, one for each letter of the Greek alphabet. The first twelve narrate the mystery of the Incarnation, while the other twelve celebrate Mary's participation in redemption. It is a jewel of Christian tradition that helps us contemplate the greatness of God.
As Psalm 95:6 says: "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker" (NIV). Praise is a natural response to God's love.
Consecration to the Virgin Mary
On Sunday, May 31, at 9:00 PM, after the recitation of the Rosary, the act of consecration to the Virgin Mary will take place, presided over by Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome. Consecrating oneself to Mary is placing our lives under her maternal care, trusting that she always leads us to Jesus. It is an act of surrender that transforms the heart.
In addition, throughout the month, the staircase of the Piazza dell'Esquilino, near the basilica, will be decorated with flowers in honor of Mary. It is a simple but beautiful gesture that beautifies the surroundings and reminds us of the beauty of faith.
Final Reflection
Dear brother, dear sister: this month of May, how can you dedicate time to Mary? Perhaps you can pray the Rosary with your family, read the Magnificat, or simply pause to contemplate an image of the Virgin. She is always ready to listen to us and to intercede for us before God.
Comments