GENAZZANO, Italy (AP) — The month of May is dedicated to Marian celebrations, so here’s a look at the history and traditions about Mary and why praying to her means so much to so many.

One Mary, a myriad titles According to the Gospel, Mary is the mother of Jesus — and the mystery of the incarnation of the son of God through her is central to Christian dogma.

Hail Mary, full of grace: Why popes and other Catholics pray to the Virgin Mary By GIOVANNA DELL'ORTO The Associated Press,Updated May 17, 2025, 2:08 p.m.

Hail Mary, full of grace: Why popes and other Catholics pray to the Virgin Mary By: Giovanna Dell'orto, The Associated Press Posted: 12:10 AM CDT Saturday, May. 17, 2025 Last Modified: 5:31 AM CDT ...

GENAZZANO, Italy (AP) — Pope Leo XIV closed his first public blessing as pontiff with a Hail Mary, after invoking the feast day of Our Lady of Pompei. On his first papal trip, he went to the Sanctuary ...

In fact, according to the Catechism, Catholics are to give Mary special veneration, but not worship her — something reserved for God alone, Falanga said. Motherhood, prayers and the month of May ...

It’s also why the rosary is one of the most widely used prayers — including publicly for the pope — and why popular devotions to the Virgin Mary, including processions and festivals, are so ...

Since the 19th century, May has been devoted to the Virgin Mary — though already in Greek and Roman times, goddesses of fertility were celebrated in this month of springtime blooming, she added.