PEACE: MAY, THE MONTH OF MARY

The Church has long dedicated the month of May to Mary, the Mother of God. One of the multitude of titles bestowed upon Mary is Queen of peace.  

Pope Paul VI wrote that “peace is not solely the work of man. It is also, and primarily, a gift from God. Peace comes from heaven. … And so we shall obtain this lofty benefit … by praying, in particular, for the intercession and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is the Queen of peace” (Mense Maio, no.10).

What Can You Do?

Pray
Pope St. John Paull II’s “Prayer for Peace to Mary, Light of Hope.”

Pledge
Individually and in community, pledge the Decalogue of Assisi for Peace (Pope St. John Paul II, 2002).

Our commitment to pursue peace flows from the inner peace we experience through our relationship with Christ and our belief in the life and dignity of every person” (USCCB, 2013). This commitment and belief compels us to take action.

Act
Take a second look at the Decalogue of Assisi for Peace. Choose one item from the list, gather your friends, family or fellow parishioners, and take one step in the month of May. 

"If religious persons are committed profoundly to one simple reality all around the world, it must be peace” (Fr. Ted Hesburgh). 

Immaculate Heart of Mary, 
help us to conquer the menace of evil, 
which so easily takes root in the hearts of the people of today,
and whose immeasurable effects already weigh down upon
our modern world and seem to block the paths toward the future. AMEN