Queen Of The May

“There is no problem I tell you, no matter how difficult it is, that we cannot resolve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary.” Sister Lucy, Fatima Visionary

It was 28 years ago YESTERDAY that John Paul II was shot. Mehmet Ali Agca’s bullet miraculously avoided his major organs. He attributed his survival to Our Lady of Fatima.

The month of May is a celebration of spring, of rebirth and new life. How fitting that the Chruch devotes May to Mary, the mother of our Lord. John Paul II had a very deep devotion to Our Lady, and at the request of Our Lady of Fatima, consecrated the nation of Russia to her in 1984. At every opportunity he spoke of her, and encouraged the faithful all over the world to increase their devotion to Mary.

"Through Mary," he declared in Como, Italy, in 1996, "we come to her Son more easily. Mary is held up as a model for the believer and for the whole Church called to respond to the Lord with her own 'yes'. She is the Mother who intercedes for all: for souls thirsting for God and for those who are groping in the darkness of doubt and disbelief for those who are suffering in body or tried in spirit, for those who yield to the attraction of sin and for those who are struggling to escape its clutches. Her motherly concern overlooks no one." (from Pope John Paul II's Angelus Message in Como, Italy 5 May 1996)

It certainly never overlooks me. Prayer comes most easily to me with my Marian devotions, especially the Rosary. Holding the beads is a consolation; reciting the prayers frees my mind to meditate; and each mystery builds one upon the other through the life of Jesus through Mary, as if she’s sitting right there with me, teaching me details, signs and insights. A rosary truly prayed teaches the person of Jesus, bringing us into a deeply intimate relationship with Him. Who better to teach us? In the heart of Mary, Jesus is an ancient promise; a living miracle; a helpless child; a victim of hatred and ignorance; a savior and king. No other person could know the heart and mind of the Lord like the woman who shared her body with Him.

Sister Lucy of Fatima says, “with the Holy Rosary, we will save ourselves, we will sanctify ourselves, we will console Our Lord and obtain the salvation of many souls.” I believe her, because nothing I’ve ever experienced has helped me to know the Lord better.

(Click here to learn how to pray the Rosary)