To start May, a month to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City shared a video of nuns participating in a May Crowning, which is a tradition used to honor Mary.

“The Carmelite Sisters of St. Therese of the Infant Jesus crowned Mary for the month of May,” the archdiocese posted on Facebook. “May Crowning is a traditional Roman Catholic ritual held during the month of May. Typically at the close of a procession, a statue of the Blessed Virgin is crowned with a garland or crown of flowers honoring Mary as ‘the Queen of May.’” 

The practice of honoring Mary, the Mother of God, during May arose in the late 1200s and became more common during the 1700s, Catholic Culture reports. Throughout the years, some popes have placed a special emphasis on honoring Mary this month. St. Pope John Paul II, in a recent example, said in May 2002: ”Today we begin the month dedicated to Our Lady a favorite of popular devotion. In accord with a long-standing tradition of devotion, parishes and families continue to make the month of May a 'Marian' month, celebrating it with many devout liturgical, catechetical and pastoral initiatives!” 

Mary has a unique position among Catholics because as a human, she ranks among those who need to be saved by God, but as the Mother of Jesus, she has received the gift of God's grace to a higher extent than anyone else, according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Mary's decision to cooperate with God's plan gives her a crucial role in salvation. Catholics see Mary as a role model of discipleship and may ask for her intercession. 

With her importance in Church history, Mary is honored for various events throughout the year, the Marians say. Although the whole month of May honors her, a couple of days are more special. Catholics celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima on May 13, and the Visitation on May 31. Other notable feast days include the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Jan. 1); the Annunciation (March 25); Mary's Assumption into Heaven (Aug. 15); and the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8).