There is something remarkable about a mother’s love. It is unconditional, eternal and sacrificial, tender, generous, strong, and wise at its best. It is a refuge, something to trust, treasure, and celebrate.

The Church has embraced that treasure and the entire month of May to honor and celebrate the remarkable love of Mary, the Mother of God, who is also our mother. It is a centuries-old tradition, appropriately taking place during spring’s beauty and time of rebirth, reminding us that Mary gave new life to the world when she said “Yes,” to God and became the mother of Jesus.

Children may not fully understand the religious teachings behind Catholic beliefs, but they understand the importance of a mother’s love. Embracing the month of May as a time to help children get to know Mary, as a mother, as a comforter, and as a saint, will help them develop a life-long relationship with the Mother of God.

Our Catholic textbooks, like Blest Are We Faith in Action series, and Be My Disciples, offer important lessons about Mary and a reminder that Catholics do not worship Mary, but, rather, honor her as the Mother of Jesus, Mother of the Church, and our best model of faith.

During May, consider adding some of these Mary moments to your classroom and discussions, and help children get to know Mary better.

Portray Mary as the mother of us all. Most pictures and statues of Mary are crafted in a European style of light skin and hair. Add some images of Mary that reflect her Middle Eastern heritage and others that reflect images of our multi-cultural mother. There is a wonderful collection for review in an article by Aleteia – 10 Stunning images of the Madonna and Child from around the world.

Have a classroom May crowning. Many parishes have May Crownings, but having a crowning of a Mary statue, or even a wreath of flowers around a Mary picture in a classroom, is something that all students may be a part of and then see every day. If possible, include a Marian hymn children can sing. If the statue is on the classroom prayer table, consider adding a box or jar for the student’s prayer intentions to Mary.

Pray for a decade of the Rosary. The Rosary is a prayer that honors Mary and helps us meditate on the life of Christ. Religion textbooks like Blest Are We and Be My Disciples include an explanation of how to pray the Rosary. Check with a parish Altar Rosary Society if Rosary beads are needed for the students. They often have extras on hand.

Share Mary in Scripture stories. Scripture doesn’t include a lot about Mary but there are enough stories to show snippets of Mary’s life and her unwavering presence throughout Jesus’ ministry. Read these stories to, or with, your students and encourage them to talk about what they learned about Mary from them:   The Annunciation, Visitation, Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, Finding of Jesus in the Temple, Wedding Feast at Cana, Crucifixion, and Pentecost.

About the Author

Mary Regina Morrell, mother of six and grandmother to nine, is a Catholic journalist, author, and syndicated columnist who has served the dioceses of Metuchen and Trenton, New Jersey, and RENEW International in the areas of catechesis and communication.