May, Month of Mary

The Holy Rosary prayer
(click here for the whole rosary)

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee;
blessed art though among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Fr Werenfried van Straaten:
In the divine economy of salvation, Mary has a pre-eminent position. The redemption of mankind began in her virgin womb and, in accordance with the will of God, is only carried to completion with her co-operation and at her intercession, The honour the Church pours on her has its grounds in this sublime calling. Mary is the mother of the Son of God. She is the most beloved daughter of the Father. She is the spouse of the Holy Spirit. Because of her co-operation in our Lord's work of redemption she is raised high above angels and men. She is worthy of all praise because she is full of grace and because her holiness - already full at her immaculate conception - proved itself for a whole lifetime in her perfect obedience to the will of the Father.