At the wedding feast at Cana, she told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” This is her guidance to us, too. When he was on the cross, Jesus introduced Mary to us as our mother. She knows her Divine Son better than any other person does, and she is our reliable advisor on how to follow him. As our mother, Mary will help us. This month, learn more about her and ask her to pray for us to love Jesus even more and follow him with open and sincere hearts. Invite your students to get to know her better.

During the month of May, we remember our own mothers, too. Mary teaches us to look kindly on mothers. Whatever challenges mothers have experienced, all can rely on their Spiritual Mother to be at their side. May we come to better understand our mothers, their gifts and limitations. May we grant ourselves the same mercy when we are less than perfect.

Pope Francis said recently that we have a super-Mother in Mary: “Honoring our Heavenly Mother would be to promise her that we will practice her virtues of Faith, obedience, purity and humble service. In this way, we will be trying to become the saintly sons and daughters of our Heavenly Mother, the holy Mother of God.” Long before our Church leaders officially declared Mary the Mother of God, her cousin Elizabeth knew what a special privilege Mary had been given. When Mary went to visit Elizabeth, Elizabeth called her “the mother of my Lord” (Luke 1:43).

Our Other Mothers. This month, remember women who showed you a motherly care. Think of a woman that taught you a new skill or introduced you to a new book or idea. She may have been the mom of your school friend or the coach who took you under her wing. Consider sending her a note of thanks.

Mary, Our Role Model: Mary exhibited the fruits of the Holy Spirit, qualities we all hope to demonstrate: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Ask students to describe actions that show these fruits in a person’s life.

Calling Upon Mary. We ask Mary’s intercession in all the forms of Marian prayer we say. Have your students memorize one of these prayers: the Angelus, the Regina Caeli, the Hail Holy Queen, the Memorarae.

Mary Was There with Jesus. Say the Rosary as a class, meditating on the Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries. Show how Mary is a featured person in each mystery. Invite the students to imagine themselves standing beside Mary in all the events of Jesus’ life.

We Are at Home with Mary. Mary inspires us to recognize the closeness and comfort that God offers us. Artists like to depict Mary in the likeness of a woman from their own cultures. Look for images of Mary from Japanese, African, and Native American artists. Ask students to describe how Mary would look if she lived in their neighborhood.