In many cultures which have been influenced by the culture of the Catholic Church, the Month of May has become especially associated with honoring Mary, the Mother of the Lord Jesus. As in many aspects of Catholic culture, grace builds upon nature.

Pope Francis made these comments about Mary as pilgrim and model for all Christians: "In this moment of profound communion in Christ, we feel the spiritual presence of the Virgin Mary alive in our midst - a maternal presence, a familiar presence, especially for you are taking part in the Confraternities. The love for the Madonna is one of the characteristics of popular piety, which needs to be strengthened and well oriented."

"Gathered in prayer around Mary, we ask God for the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete - that He might counsel and comfort all Christians, especially those who celebrate Easter amongst trials and sufferings, and might guide them in the ways of reconciliation and peace."

Special love and devotion toward Mary is woven into Catholic piety and culture. It is also a vital part of Orthodox Christianity. Because it is so naturally supernatural to many of us, we can sometimes forget that some other Christians, particularly members of groups which descend from the Protestant Reformation in Europe, do not understand our practices.

From antiquity, Mary's special place in the plan of salvation was acknowledged by all Christians. In fact, the early Christians painted her image in the catacombs during their moments of fear, persecution and doubt. They found great inspiration from this little woman of great faith. In her yes to God's call, spoken through the Angel, they came to understand that ordinary people can change human history.

They were inspired to then add their own yes to hers. Justin Martyr and many other early Christian apologists found in her fiat, her obedient yes to the angel, the undoing of the "no-I will not serve" given by the first woman Eve. They called Mary The Second Eve, the mother of a new creation.

The writings of the early Christian Church fathers explain that this gift from Jesus to the beloved disciple John is also a gift to the whole Church - and to every member. Jesus gave us His Mother. The meaning and mystery of Mary is a gift to be opened and received, reflected upon, prayed over and lived.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it this way,"What the Catholic faith believes about Mary is based on what it believes about Christ, and what it teaches about Mary illumines in turn its faith in Christ." (CCC#487) The Catholic Catechism also reminds us, "Mary's role in the Church is inseparable from her union with Christ and flows directly from it."(CCC #964)