May is perhaps the most beautiful month of the year. Spring is in full bloom, the air is filled with the scent of flowers, and the sun reminds us that summer is near. After the long winter months, we finally feel the urge to go outside, breathe deeply, and soak in the energy of nature’s rebirth.
But May is also a time deeply rooted in spiritual tradition. In the Catholic Church, it is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is during this month that Marian services take place, the Litany of Loreto is prayed, and roadside chapels—especially in Poland—are decorated with fresh spring flowers.
All cities belonging to the Shrines of Europe network come alive in May. It is a time when the faithful thank Mary for her protection and intercession. Although it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why May became “her” month, the tradition dates back to 1724. It wasn’t until 1969 that the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary was officially added to the liturgical calendar, celebrated on May 31.
It’s no wonder—May, full of light and renewal, fits perfectly with the symbolism of the Mother of God. It is also the month when we celebrate Mother’s Day—yet another meaningful connection between the everyday and the spiritual.
Across Europe, Marian devotion takes many forms. In Poland, May 3rd marks the Feast of Our Lady, Queen of Poland, a celebration that beautifully reflects how deeply Mary is woven into the nation’s history. In the countryside, picturesque roadside shrines—small sacred places—gather locals for prayer. In May, they are especially charming, decorated with real flowers as symbols of gratitude and hope.
In France, Lourdes hosts the May Offering of Flowers—a beautiful event where the faithful bring white flowers to the Virgin Mary, symbolizing purity and devotion. In Portugal, May 13 marks the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima—the anniversary of Mary’s first apparition to three shepherd children in 1917. That moment is still remembered and celebrated worldwide, and Fatima remains one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage sites.
Throughout May, many churches pray the Rosary daily, and Marian services draw large crowds—including First Communion children, dressed in white, arriving in pilgrimage to the shrines.
This May carries yet another significant moment—on May 8, 2025, the world witnessed the election of a new pope: Leo XIV, the first pope in history from the United States. Just one day later, on May 9, we celebrate Europe Day—a perfect opportunity to reflect on the unity of the continent and how Mary, as a symbol of peace and spiritual communion, can serve as a bridge across nations.
Following the path of Europe’s Marian shrines reveals more than just faith—it opens a window to history, tradition, and culture. Each site—whether Częstochowa, Lourdes, Altötting, Mariazell, Fatima, Loreto, or Einsiedeln—has its own unique atmosphere and story to tell.
So, if you’re looking for an idea for a spring or summer journey, consider tracing the footsteps of the Shrines of Europe. It’s more than just sightseeing—it’s an experience, a meaningful encounter with a Europe you won’t find in guidebooks.
