In early May 1917, the United States was preparing to enter the war that had been raging in Europe for nearly three years. Millions of lives had already been lost. Pope Benedict XV spent himself tirelessly in prayerful pleas and diplomatic efforts to restore global peace. It seemed as if no progress was being made.

In a decisive letter dated May 5, the Holy Father urged the world to turn with confidence to the Mother of God: “Let loving and devout appeal go up from every corner of the earth … that the peace we ask for be obtained …”

Just eight days later, an answer came from heaven. In a tiny village in Portugal, Our Lady appeared to three young peasant children. The miracle of Fatima had begun.
God chose “Mary’s month” to step into World War I. Perhaps it was a nod of divine approval to the Church’s centuries-long practice of honoring Mary in May.

I invite you to take part in the Association of the Miraculous Medal’s annual May Procession on Sunday, May 5. The May Procession will begin at 1:00 p.m., CT, at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Missouri.

Last year, hundreds came from near and far to honor the Mother of Mercy, “our life, our sweetness, and our hope.” Tens of thousands more participated by returning their silk rose petals, representing their prayers and petitions to be included in a beautiful wreath. This wreath will be presented to Our Blessed Mother during the May Procession.

I hope you will help us continue this tradition by sending your special intentions by April 8.

We will implore the Queen of Heaven to intercede for your needs before the throne of God. Your needs will also be remembered in the daily Mass and prayers here at the National Shrine throughout the month of May.

If you live closer to the West Coast, you are invited to attend the May Procession that will be held on May 5 at all of the Sunday Masses (8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m.(School Mass), 2:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m., at Saint Vincent de Paul Parish in Los Angeles. For more information on the May Processions being held in Los Angeles, please call (213) 749-8950.

You may wish to burn a Votive Light at the Shrine Chapel as a sign of your constant confidence in Christ Jesus and the merits of Our Blessed Mother.

AMM deeply appreciates any monetary offering you wish to include. Gifts enable Mary’s ministry to continue, drawing the faithful closer to God through Our Lady, especially by sharing the Miraculous Medal with others.

I pray you’ll do just as the Holy Father did in 1917 by offering up your loving, devout appeal to Our Lady.

No matter how small or great your need may be, Our Blessed Mother will not fail to intercede for you, to comfort you, and guide you.

Thank you once more for your caring support of the Association of the Miraculous Medal. We look forward to receiving your special intentions. And we hope to see you at the National Shrine on Sunday, May 5.

May God continue to bless your efforts to serve him, and may he draw all of us ever closer to himself. 

Sincerely in Jesus and Mary,

P.S.  Be sure to return your intentions by April 8 so they can be included in the 2024 May Procession.