In the Christian calendar, May holds a special significance as it is traditionally dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus. This month is a time when the faithful around the world focus on venerating Mary, celebrating her life, and practicing devotions in her honor. Notably, the traditions such as the Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan in the Philippines, and the remembrance of numerous feasts, as well as significant Marian apparitions, underscore the depth of Marian devotion.
Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan
In the Philippines, May is marked by the vibrant and festive "Flores de Mayo" (Flowers of May), a month-long celebration honoring the Virgin Mary. During Flores de Mayo, flowers are offered daily at churches, a symbol of devotion and purity. The tradition not only reflects the Filipinos' deep Marian devotion but also celebrates the end of the dry season, intertwining religious observance with seasonal change.
The culmination of Flores de Mayo is the "Santacruzan," a religious-historical procession held on the last day of the month. This event reenacts the search of the Holy Cross by Queen Helena (Reyna Elena) and her son, the newly converted emperor Constantine. During the procession, which is a major event in many communities, young women and men participate in a parade dressed as biblical characters and saints, with the most anticipated being the representation of Reyna Elena. The Santacruzan serves as both a catechetical tool and a cultural spectacle, showcasing elaborate dresses and creative floats.
Marian Feasts and Apparitions in May
May is also significant because on this month, we celebrate numerous feasts dedicated to Mary.
Our Lady of Fatima. Celebrated on May 13, the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima is one of the most famous Marian events where, in 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. She conveyed messages that called for prayer and repentance. The miracle of the dancing sun, witnessed by thousands during her last apparition, solidified belief by many in the authenticity of the apparitions.
Our Lady, Queen of Apostles: Celebrated on the Saturday following Ascension Thursday, this feast honors Mary's role in nurturing the early Christian community. It reflects on how Mary, filled with the Holy Spirit, supported the Apostles in spreading the Christian faith, emphasizing her integral role in the Church's mission.
Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament (May 13): This title of Mary celebrates her special connection with the Eucharist. The feast underscores Mary’s role in the adoration and worship of the Eucharist, recognizing her as the first adorer and the spiritual vessel of the sacramental Jesus.
Mary Help of Christians (May 24): The feast of Mary Help of Christians, celebrated on May 24, is deeply rooted in the history of Christian victories attributed to Mary’s intercession. Instituted by Pope Pius VII in 1815 to mark his gratitude after his release from Napoleon's imprisonment, the feast also commemorates the earlier 16th-century Battle of Lepanto, where Christian forces credited their victory over the Ottoman Turks to the Virgin Mary's aid. This event is emblematic of Mary's role as a protector and intercessor in times of conflict and need.
Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (May 31): This feast commemorates Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth, an event where Elizabeth recognizes Mary as the mother of the Lord and Mary proclaims the Magnificat. It celebrates Mary's humility and the joy of Christ’s impending birth, underscoring themes of service and joy in faith.
The Importance of Honoring Our Lady in May
Honoring Mary during May is a tradition that enriches the spiritual lives of many Christians. It is a time for renewal and reflection, where the virtues of Mary—obedience, humility, and unconditional love—are lifted up as models for daily life. Through processions, feasts, and prayers, the faithful are reminded of the profound impact that Mary has in Christian theology and how her life’s example is relevant and inspiring.
In this beautiful month dedicated to Mary, the faithful are invited to deepen their understanding of her role in salvation history and to seek her intercessions, believing in her power to bring their prayers before her divine Son. Thus, May is not just about celebrating Mary; it's about living out the values she embodies and recognizing her enduring presence in the spiritual life of the community.