May is traditionally the month of Mary.  Parishes will crown statues of the Blessed Mother, groups will process around their communities with a statue of Mary, and many families will gather to pray the rosary. These are all wonderful devotions that bring families together and strengthen our own faith as we look to the Mother of God as a model disciple and supreme intercessor.  While Catholics are often mocked for our devotion to the Mother of God, everyone who has prayed through Mary to Jesus has always been satisfied in their spiritual life.  It’s our witness of trust and obedience to the Church, our Blessed Mother, and ultimately Christ himself that strengthens the Church (the Body of Christ, that is). 
 
When we gather as a community to crown Mary we are declaring that she is our Queen.  Coronation ceremonies don’t happen for just anyone. We only crown a Queen or King. What are we declaring Mary to be Queen of?  Everything! She is Queen of heaven and earth, Queen of all Saints, Queen of our hearts, and Queen of families.  Every family should have a statue of the Blessed Mother in their home.  It doesn’t have to be a large one…it can be as tall as a cell phone.  If you have a statue of Mary, crown her this month. Head down to the local craft store and make a crown for the Queen of Heaven.  By crowning Mary you are declaring her as Queen in your life and it through her Queenship that we gain eternal life from her Son, the King of the Universe.
 
When parishes or other religious groups (Legion of Mary, Blue army, etc.) process around their community/town with a statue of the Blessed Mother, this is another great witness to our trust that Mary is praying for us to her Son, Jesus Christ.  The point of processing around with Mary isn’t to worship her; rather, it’s to point her out as the supreme and perfect witness of what discipleship looks like.  Mary is the model and perfect example of discipleship since she perfectly followed her Son.  When we process with our Blessed Mother we are telling the community that Mary is important, that she is helpful, and that devotion to her brings peach and harmony to our lives.
 
Finally, praying the rosary as a family unites everyone together and assists in our own growth in faith.  The rosary is a powerful prayer that changes lives.  St. Padre Pio said that by praying a rosary every day, you won’t be able to fall into serious sin.  Our Lady protects her children who pray through her, especially those who pray the Holy Rosary.  Moreover, the spiritual power that enters a home and family when they pray the rosary together will only bring peace and joy to that family.  It may take a lot of work convincing everyone to pray together; but, once the family prays together, amazing things happen.  Mark my words, praying the rosary daily changes lives.  
 
Friends, in this month of May turn to our Blessed Mother and seek her prayers and intercession.  Make Mary the Queen of your heart and home this month and see what good things will come your way.  I guarantee your life will change for the better by handing yourself over to Jesus Christ through His mother and our mother.  May our Blessed Lady, Queen of the Universe, protect your family and keep you safe always.  She smashed the serpents head and she will keep you free from sin if you pray and seek her help with her Son, Jesus Christ.