May in the Traditional Catholic Liturgical Year
May is one of the most beautiful and beloved months of the Traditional Catholic liturgical year. Throughout the Church, it has long been dedicated in a special way to the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose perfect obedience, humility, and maternal love continue to guide the faithful toward her Divine Son. During this month, Catholics throughout the world honor Our Lady with May Crownings, the daily Rosary, Marian hymns, and acts of filial devotion.
Liturgically, May continues the joyful celebration of Paschal Time, as the Church reflects upon the appearances of the Risen Christ, His victory over sin and death, and His preparation of the Apostles for the coming of the Holy Ghost. The Resurrection remains the heart of every celebration, filling the liturgy with the triumphant cry of Alleluia as the faithful anticipate the glorious feast of Pentecost.
May is also rich in the witness of the saints. The Church commemorates the Finding of the Holy Cross, St. Athanasius, St. Monica, St. Pius V, St. Philip Neri, St. Augustine of Canterbury, St. Robert Bellarmine (where observed), St. Gregory VII, St. Bede the Venerable, St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, and many other holy bishops, martyrs, confessors, virgins, and Doctors of the Church. Their lives reveal the transforming power of divine grace and encourage Christians to persevere faithfully in every vocation.
In The Liturgical Year, Dom Prosper Guéranger beautifully explains the mysteries of Paschal Time while leading readers through the rich succession of feasts celebrated during May. Drawing from Sacred Scripture, the Fathers of the Church, ancient liturgical prayers, and centuries of Catholic tradition, he reveals how every feast deepens our participation in the life of Christ and His Church.
Whether you attend the Traditional Latin Mass, pray the Divine Office, or simply desire to follow the Church’s sacred calendar more closely, May offers a profound opportunity to grow in devotion to Our Blessed Mother while rejoicing in the glory of the Risen Christ.
May at a Glance
May is a month of Easter joy, Marian devotion, and faithful perseverance. As Paschal Time continues, the Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary while celebrating saints whose lives demonstrate unwavering fidelity to Christ and His Church.
Highlights of May
- Paschal Time (Easter Season)
- Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Marian Devotions
- Daily Holy Rosary
- Finding of the Holy Cross
- Rogation Days (where observed)
- Ascension of Our Lord (depending on the liturgical calendar)
- Preparation for Pentecost
- Great Bishops, Martyrs, Doctors, and Confessors
- Daily reflections from Dom Prosper Guéranger
- Traditional Roman Calendar feast days
- Related sermons and videos from Sensus Fidelium
Each reflection invites readers to contemplate the mysteries celebrated by the Church while learning from the heroic examples of the saints. Dom Prosper Guéranger’s timeless writings help Catholics unite their daily lives to the rhythm of the Traditional Roman Calendar and grow in holiness through the liturgy.
May 1 – St. Philip and St. James the Less, Apostles
May 2 – St Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
May 3 – Finding of the Holy Cross
May 3 – St Alexander, Pope & Martyr
May 5 – St. Pius the Fifth, Pope
May 6 – St John before the Latin Gate
May 7 – St Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr
May 8 – The Apparition of St Michael the Archangel
May 9 – St Gregory Nazianzen, Bishop & Doctor of the Church
May 10 – St Antoninus, Bishop and Confessor
May 10 – Sts Gordian and Epimachus, Martyrs
May 11 – Ss Philip and James the Lesser, Apostles
May 12 – Sts Nereus and Achilleus, Martyrs and St Flavia Domitilla, Virgin and Martyr
May 13 – St. Robert Bellarmine, Bishop & Doctor of the Church
May 15 – St John Baptist de la Salle, Confessor
May 16 – St Ubaldus, Bishop and Confessor
May 16 – St John Nepomucen, Martyr
May 17 – St. Pashcal Baylon, Confessor
May 19 – St Peter Celestine, Pope
May 19 – St Pudentiana, Virgin
May 20 – St Bernardine of Siena, Confessor
21st
22nd
23rd
May 24 – Feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians
May 25 – St Gregory the Seventh, Pope and Confessor
May 25 – St Urban, Pope and Martyr
May 26 – St Philip Neri, Confessor
May 26 – St Eleutherius, Pope and Martyr
May 27 – St Bede the Venerable, Confessor and Doctor of the Church
May 27 – St John I, Pope and Martyr
May 28 – St Augustine, Bishop, Apostle of England
May 29 – St Mary Magdalen de Pazzi, Virgin
May 30 – St Felix I, Pope and Martyr
May 30 – St Ferdinand III, King of Castile and Confessor
May 30 – St Joan of Arc, Virgin
May 31 – St Petronilla, Virgin
May 31 – St Angela de Merici, Virgin
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is May important in the Catholic liturgical year?
May is traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary while continuing the joyful celebration of Eastertide. It is a month of Marian devotion, Paschal joy, and preparation for the coming of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost.
Why is May dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary?
For centuries, Catholics have honored Mary in a special way during May through the daily Rosary, May Crownings, Marian hymns, and acts of devotion. The Church recognizes her as the Mother of God, Queen of Heaven, and the perfect model of Christian discipleship.
Which saints are celebrated during May?
Among the best-known May saints are St. Athanasius, St. Philip and St. James, the Finding of the Holy Cross, St. Gregory VII, St. Bede the Venerable, St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, St. Philip Neri, St. Augustine of Canterbury, St. Monica, and St. Pius V.
What does Dom Prosper Guéranger teach about May?
Dom Guéranger presents May as a month overflowing with Easter joy while emphasizing the Church’s growing anticipation of Pentecost. His reflections reveal the beauty of Marian devotion, the lives of the saints, and the liturgical celebrations that continue throughout Paschal Time.
How does May prepare Catholics for Pentecost?
As Eastertide progresses, the Church reflects upon Christ’s appearances after the Resurrection, His Ascension into Heaven, and His promise to send the Holy Ghost. The faithful are invited to prepare their hearts through prayer, perseverance, and devotion to Our Lady.
Is this collection based on the Traditional Roman Calendar?
Yes. These reflections follow the Traditional Roman Rite and complement the Traditional Latin Mass, preserving the timeless liturgical traditions, prayers, and spiritual heritage of the Catholic Church.