It's Not Too Late: Five Simple Ways to Honor Mary This May... And Beyond!

The month of May is traditionally dedicated to our Blessed Mother, so we are encouraged to honor her in more significant ways all throughout this month.

However, if -- like me -- you've found yourself overwhelmed by life and suddenly realize that we're more than halfway through May, yet you still haven't been doing much to honor Mama Mary (as we Filipino Catholics like to call her), you'll probably want to try being more intentional about it.

The beautiful thing about our faith is that it is truly redemptive, so it's all about starting over again and second chances. And continuing on our journey, even if it may be super challenging!

Five Simple Ways to Honor Mary

So, to help you (and me!) honor Mama Mary in a more significant way during the remaining days of May, here are a few simple suggestions:

1. Pray more Marian prayers.

If your family doesn't pray the Rosary daily, you can start with that, or maybe even just a decade a day. You could also inject the Angelus in your daily routine (at 12 noon and at 6pm) if you want. Or even just add, "Mama Mary, pray for us" after you say Grace before meals.

The key is to include our Mother in our daily prayers in a more significant way.

2. Read books about Mama Mary.

There are lots of Marian-themed books around that are suitable for adults and children too. If you already have storybooks about Mama Mary in your home library, take them out and read them to your kids.

If you have older children, you should still read to them but also encourage them to do some reading on their own.

Of course, if you don't have any books about Mary, you can always use your Bible and read stories about the Blessed Virgin Mary.

3. Have a simple Mama Mary coronation ceremony.

Mary is considered as the Queen of All Saints, and the Queen of Heaven and Earth, so holding a simple crowning ceremony for her would be a great way to honor her. You can do this as a family at home or with friends from your local parish or community.

Browse the Internet for ideas on how to do it, and have fun while teaching the kids in your life about Mama Mary's importance to us Catholics!

4. Watch videos or shows about Mama Mary.

There are many films featuring Mama Mary that you might want to consider watching with your kids. A few recommended titles are "Mary of Nazareth," "The 13th Day" (about the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima), and "Jean Delannoy's Bernadette" (about the apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes).

Children will also enjoy watching animated shows that have Mama Mary in them, like CCC of America's "The Day the Sun Danced: The True Story of Fatima," "Juan Diego: Messenger of Guadalupe" and "Bernadette: The Princess of Lourdes."

If you have a limited budget, you can also try searching YouTube for videos about Mama Mary.

5. Have Mary-themed arts and crafts activities.

Admittedly, I'm not a very artistic and crafts-y person. However, I'm committed to not let this month end without doing at least ONE Mary-themed craft with my kids.

If you want to join me, you can try searching online for easy Marian crafts for kids. Start with our resources here at CatholicMom.com of course!