The Rosary in May, the Month of Mary
May is traditionally dedicated to Mary in Catholic devotion. The usual Rosary mystery schedule continues, with adaptations for particular celebrations. May falls within Easter and may also include Ordinary Time. Parish customs during the month sometimes include a Marian procession or crowning.
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May as a month of Mary
May is traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in Catholic devotion. The Church encourages prayer with her and contemplation of Christ, especially through the Rosary. Families and parishes may also hold a Marian procession, a May crowning, or another local gathering.
The dedication is a devotional custom, rather than a separate liturgical season. Depending on the year's Easter date, May falls within Easter and may also include days of Ordinary Time. Its Marian prayers accompany the Church's liturgy; they do not replace the Sundays and feasts already celebrated.
The Litany of Loreto is also prayed in Marian gatherings, often after the Rosary.
Which Rosary mysteries should I choose?
The customary weekly schedule continues during May: Joyful on Monday and Saturday, Sorrowful on Tuesday and Friday, Glorious on Wednesday and Sunday, and Luminous on Thursday. Sundays during Easter remain Glorious. The mysteries can also reflect a feast: Joyful for the Visitation when it is celebrated, and Glorious for Ascension and Pentecost.
For the customary mysteries for your local day, see Today's Rosary. A particular intention may lead to another choice; a parish group generally follows the set chosen for its gathering.
Feasts and seasonal prayers in May
The Visitation is celebrated on 31 May in the General Roman Calendar, unless a higher-ranking celebration takes precedence. It recalls Mary visiting Elizabeth and the joy of recognizing God's work. The Visitation mystery provides its Gospel passage and reflection for a decade.
Saint Joseph the Worker is observed on 1 May where the calendar permits. Ascension and Pentecost may also fall in May, according to the year's Easter date and the local Ascension practice. The calendar gives principal dates; the parish calendar includes celebrations particular to the country and diocese.
During the Easter season, the Regina Caeli traditionally replaces the Angelus. After Pentecost, the Angelus resumes its customary place. The change follows the liturgical season, not simply the first or last day of May.
May crowning
A May crowning expresses honor for Mary through a local devotional custom. A parish may crown an image of Mary with flowers while those gathered pray or sing. Where May is not a spring month, the devotion still has its place; its meaning does not depend on a particular climate or garden season.