May is Mary's Month!

Today is ‘la Bealtaine’ which translates as May Day. It’s a day that goes back many generations in Irish culture and history. It officially marks the arrival of summer ‘though it may not feel like it just yet. It was a day when the cattle were released to summer pastures. At the heart of Bealtaine is a reminder of growth and abundance at this time of year.

The month of May has traditionally been a time of special devotion to the Mother of God. A memory I have of growing up in a loving, faith-filled home was of my mother erecting the May altar with a statue or portrait of Mary, surrounded by flowers. Parish grottos were attended to and there were May traditions in many parts of the country. I came to discover later that we, Presentation Brothers, have a special devotion to Mary and are named after the Presentation of Mary in the Temple. 

Here is a beautiful hymn to Mary that I came across and thought I'd share with you on this the first day of Mary's month.

Let's seek her intercession for all those who are discerning their vocation. Let today's young men and women echo her words, "Be it done unto me according to thy Word".