Faith

Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations

Prayers For the Month of May

Faith/ La Foi /ሃይማኖት

May is the Month of Mary

During the month of Mary, Catholics honour Mary, the mother of God. Mary has a special position because of her role as the first believer. She was with Jesus from his conception to his death and resurrection.

Mothers have a special place in our hearts.As the mother of Jesus, we ask Mary to pray to her Son on our behalf; we ask her to pray to God for us. From John 19: 26-27, we believe Mary is our mother too: “When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” ...”

Ethnic

Every culture has different ways of honouring the Virgin Mary during the month of May. Usually, the customs include flowers and the praying of the rosary. One popular custom is the May Crowning. In the May Crowning, a statue or image of

Mary is given a crown made of flowers. The flowers are a symbol of Mary’s virtues (charity, humility, faith, patience) and remind us to be like her. There are many prayers to ask for the Mother of God to help us. The most popular is the “Hail Mary”. Other prayers include the Hail Holy Queen and the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace, The Lord is with you

Blessed are you among women

And blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners

Now and at the hour of our death. Amen

Je Vous Salue Marie

Je vous salue Marie, pleine de grâce

Le Seigneur et avec vous

Vous êtes bénie entre toutes les femmes

Et Jésus, le fruit de vos entrailles est béni

Sainte Marie, Mère de Dieu,