In celebration, May is observed as Mary's month, and in these circles May Day is usually a celebration of the Blessed Mother Mary.
We've collected camillia flowers - although certainly not the rarest - the prettiest in our garden at the moment for today, May Day.
This month at home we will strengthen our awareness of the energy of Mother Mary. Certainly for parenting I will look at Mary for her values to implement into my everyday parenting skills. The virtues of patience, which I desperately need, being present, providing unconditional love, generosity. Purity and humility, are somethings I am far from having in my quivver but all of these qualities are ones that I aspire towards and hopefully will get much practice with over the month. It is the idea that the children will observe these interactions and they will naturally absorb the experiences.
I usually choose an 'itie' for a month. This time it is purity.
Purity
Be pure at heart. Eradicate lust, anger and greed. Be pure in your thoughts. Think of God always. Think of the well-being of all. Be pure in your words; never utter harsh, unkind words. Be pure in body. Keep it clean and healthy. Let the dress and surroundings be clean. Observe the rules of physical, moral and spiritual hygiene.
For more Ities see here.
O Mary we crown thee with blossoms today!
Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May.
O Mary we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May.
Bring flowers of the rarest
bring blossoms the fairest,
from garden and woodland and hillside and dale;
our full hearts are swelling,
our glad voices telling
the praise of the loveliest flower of the vale!
Their lady they name thee,
Their mistress proclaim thee,
Ah, grant that thy children on earth be as true
as long as the bowers
are radiant with flowers,
as long as the azure shall keep its bright hue
Sing gaily in chorus;
the bright angels o'er us
re-echo the strains we begin upon earth;
their harps are repeating
the notes of our greeting,
for Mary herself is the cause of our mirth
(Lyrics as sung by Fr. Sydney MacEwan, provided by Dan Engler)
Click here for the sheet music
Have a joyous May.
