ANSWER TO QUIZ
For centuries, the Catholic Church has set aside the entire month of Mary to honor Mary, Mother of God.
Not just a day in May, mind you, but the entire month.
The custom spans both centuries and cultures,
with roots going back as far as the Ancient Greeks.
In early Greece, May was dedicated to Artemis,
the goddess of fecundity.
In Ancient Rome, May was dedicated to Flora,
the goddess of blooms, or blossoms.
They celebrated ludi florals, or floral games,
at the end of April and asked the
intercession of Flora for all that blooms.
In medieval times, similar customs abounded,
all centering around the practice of expelling winter,
as May 1 was considered the start of new growth.
During this period, the tradition of Tricesimum,
or “Thirty-Day Devotion to Mary,”
came into being.
The idea of a month dedicated specifically to Mary
can be traced back to baroque times.
Mary Month included thirty daily spiritual exercises
honoring Mary.
It was in this era that Mary’s Month and May
were combined, making May the Month of Mary
with special devotions organized on each day
throughout the month.
This custom became especially widespread during the nineteenth century and remains in practice until today.
If you haven’t already, erect a prayer corner in your home.
No matter how fancy or simple it is.
The main point is that it’s a place designated for God,
and more specifically, for spending time with him.
Just as you need proper atmosphere to sleep,
you also need proper atmosphere to pray.
For May, give Mary a special spot in your prayer corner.
It can be a statue or picture, but place there
some representation of our Blessed Mother.
Make it a real tribute to her beauty and virtue.
