It has been a long-standing Catholic tradition to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary in May. The tradition dates back to the ancient Greeks who dedicated this month to Artemis, the goddess of fertility. In May, Romans honored Flora, the goddess of blossoms. In the Middle Ages (11th century) the idea of giving the month of May to Mary began when special devotions to Mary were organized, and this custom, which began in Italy eventually spread elsewhere.

As the mother of Jesus and mother of the church, Mary is our mother. Favored by God, and being conceived immaculate and assumed into heaven with body and soul, she remains our advocate, helper, benefactress and mediatrix.

This May has a special significance due to the global infection of coronavirus. We are confined to our homes; in a practical way we stay in our homes. There is a saying: “The family that prays together stays together.” This is the month to pray in a special way the rosary.

Origin of the rosary is related to a practice by the laity to imitate the Christian monasticism of the Liturgy of the Hours, during the course of which the monks prayed the 150 Psalms daily. The laity substituted 150 repetitions of the Our Father for the Psalms, sometimes using a cord with knots on it to keep an accurate count. As the laity, the people of God, is with very limited access to the sacraments now, it is appropriate that all our families recite the rosary especially in these difficult times.

Mary is the morning star. As the morning star signifies the immediacy of dawn, may this May signify that normal life is in the offing! May this May bring life back to our streets, villages, country and the world! May this May pave the way to reopen our churches! May this May bring people together to celebrate life and worship God with gratitude and fulness of health!

When the State and our diocese decide to reopen our churches, we may be still obligated to use face masks and keep social distance. Volunteers from our parish are already making face masks. They will be made available to people when they come to church. The diocese will provide guidelines regarding social distance. However, we are waiting for the days when we will see all of our parishioners in person.

Apart from reciting the rosary and participating in the daily 7 pm prayer, please pray one ‘Hail Mary’ before going to bed, in this May, for good health in the world. May people enjoy health of mind and body! May all of us enjoy peace and joy!