The best part is when the children greet their mothers with a huge hug and hand each of them a rose. The experience is simple and pure, but it truly makes me feel like a queen. All mothers love flowers from their children.

I think often of the dear mothers in our midst: my own mother and grandmothers, my friends who work so lovingly to raise their children, and especially those who have gone through the agony of losing a child. It is such an honor to be trusted by God to bring one of his precious souls into the world and to help raise them. But it requires so much sacrifice at times. And for a moment, each year in May, I am reminded how all the sacrifice that comes with the vocation is what actually gives the role its value. The work and sacrifice turn to pride and joy.

This is also why we honor Mary as Catholics. Her decision to take on motherhood was more sacred than any other’s.

As written in Luke 1:42: “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” But with the greatest act of motherhood to ever grace the earth came excruciating sacrifice: “… and thy own soul a sword shall pierce.” (Lk 2: 35)

I think of what it must have been like for Mary to have been received by Christ in heaven after the Assumption. Among all other women, she alone can look upon the crucified and risen man who brought salvation to mankind, was begotten of God from all time, and is a part of the Holy Trinity, and still see him as the tender little boy who needed her guidance and care while nurturing him here on earth.

May is the month of Mary, and a May Crowning is something we Catholics do to honor the mother of Christ and our spiritual mother. And more recently, Marian tea parties have become a popular way to celebrate the Queen of Heaven. In a way, we do for her what our children do for their moms in the month of May.