Sr. Ann Catherine Swaileso.p.
May is Mary’s month and I/muse at that, and wonder why?
So begins a poem called “The May Magnificat”, by Gerard Manley Hopkins, SJ.
May is, of course, Mary’s month; around this time in other years many of us will have participated in pilgrimages, processions, May devotions of one sort or another; last year we even had our very own coronation ceremony in honour of Our Lady in the Mary Garden on the roof terrace, complete with a very miniature crown made from tiny flowers, and with a spirited rendition of Fr Mark’s very favourite Marian hymn, Bring Flowers of the Fairest (I believe the video might still be available). Perhaps we too have vaguely wondered why this month is especially dedicated to Our Lady: after all, as Fr Hopkins goes on to remind us in his poem, in general, “her feasts follow reason/dated due to season”. The timing of Liturgical celebrations commemorating events in the life of Mary in other words, have a certain, quite down to earth, rationale behind them. So, for instance, the Annunciation, when Mary conceives Jesus, occurs on 25th March, exactly 9 months before Christmas; her own birthday is celebrated on 9th September, equally exactly 9 months after we commemorate her Immaculate Conception on 8th December.
Read more …Mary’s Month