Notice Respecting the Month of Mary
In consequence of all that has been said of late years touching this delightful practice of devotion, it has been thought advisable by a servant of Mary, to write a short notice upon the subject, with a view of causing so lovely an exercise of piety to be known and adopted, as much as possible, by every christian family.
Establishment of this Devotion
It was in Italy that it originated. The intention proposed in establishing it, was to divert the minds of the people, in a salutary manner, from the amusements and the dangerous festivities connected with the return of Spring, and of which pastimes, especially in Italy, the lower orders have ever shown themselves immoderately fond. The success of this design has surpassed all expectation. Dissipation has given way to piety; the exercises of a devotion, replete with charms, have consigned to oblivion those diversions of which the consequences are, in general, disorder and licentiousness.
During this month, the whole of Italy resounds with the praises of Mary. It is impossible to form an idea of the joy, the fervour, and a certain indescribable spiritual satisfaction and peace with which the countenance of every child of Mary is radiant during this delightful season.
From Italy the practice of the “Month of Mary” passed into France towards the end of the last century. It was received with an eagerness and an enthusiasm difficult to express. Belgium declared itself later in favour of this pious movement of the devout servants of Mary. The political events which took place in France after the introduction of the ” Month of Mary,” most probably pre vented its being more quickly made known to that truly Catholic country. The joyful sounds of the praises of Mary have, at length, found an echo, during this beauteous month, even in this our Protestant land. The devotion becomes, every succeeding year, more widely known and appreciated; let us hope it will shortly be propagated amongst us, in an extraordinary and consoling manner. And you, my dear reader, who peruse this short notice, whoever you may be, make it your glory and your pride to assist in establishing the ” Month of Mary ” in all christian families. Your reward will be great, I trust, and you will enjoy the precious blessing of peace at the hour of death.
Manner of Performing the Month of Mary
Select the most appropriate place in your house — raise therein a small altar, and place upon it the statue or picture of the Blessed Virgin; ornament the altar in the best manner you are able; surround it with shrubs, flowers, objects of piety, &c. Assemble all the members of your family and household, together with some neighbours or friends, who, like yourself, are animated with devotional sentiments towards the Blessed Virgin. Recite, iii common, every day during the month, some prayers in her honour, such as the Litany, or the Beads; and read a chapter out of some one of the many pious works composed to the glory of Mary. At the commencement of the “Month of Mary,” propose to yourself some particular intention, and renew it daily before you begin the prayers. What a ravishing sight to behold a great number of houses convert ed thus, into so many little oratories, chapels, and sanctuaries, during the most lovely month of the year! Oh what an innocent, delightful, and edifying practice is that of the “Month of Mary!”
May he who writes these lines, see it solidly established! He will then die in peace.
Appeal to the Servants of Mary
Ministers of the Lord, religious men and women, Christians of both sexes, who have been blessed with devotion to the Blessed Virgin, permit one of her servants, who owes his happiness to her, to exhort you to extend, as much as in you lies, the practice of the ” Month of Mary;” and begin with your own families, if, up to this time, you have deferred to do so. Saint Bonaventura affirms, that they who are careful to publish her praises, may rest assured of paradise.
Children of Mary, give honour and love to your Mother.
For the Eve of the First of May
Prayer
O Mary, I offer Thee my heart ; bless it, and so dispose it that I may sanctify each day of the month which is dedicated to Thee. Young as I am, I have already offended Jesus, thy divine Son. I have grieved Thee by my defects ; my disobedience, my negligence in the performance of my duties, and in the service of God. I am sincerely sorry for all these offences: I repent of all my faults ; and prostrate before Thee, my dear Mother, I make a firm resolution to flee from sin, which is the greatest of all evils ; and to practise virtue.
Reflection: .
Mary is the greatest, the most beautiful, the most perfect model of perfection a simple creature can present us with. She is also the most tender of Mothers ; the most sensible of our wants, the most capable of assisting us therein. She has a particular affection for children who honour her, who love her, and who place themselves under her protection.
Example.
Our Divine Saviour, the amiable Jesus, always had the most ardent affection for Mary, His beloved Mother. While yet enveloped in swaddling clothes, and lying in the stable of Bethlehem, He was the joy and delight of His holy Mother. She embraced and fondled Him with maternal tenderness ; her whole happiness consisted in the contemplation of this adorable Infant, who filled her heart with inexpressible felicity. Let us imitate the child Jesus, if we wish to render ourselves agreeable to Mary, and to draw down upon us her blessing and her favours.
Practice: Frequently invoke Mary, by the recital of the Ave Maria.
Ejaculatory Prayer: Holy Mary, pray for us.
Taken from The Child’s Month of Mary
Imprimatur, 1866
