Helping kids grow in devotion to Mary

A free and simple way

Author

Trevor Rothaus
May 13, 2024

Dear Beloved Friend in Christ,

I want to share an easy way to help your kids develop their love for Mary in May. It is a simple pilgrimage.

You don’t need to buy plane tickets or pack suitcases for this pilgrimage.

The May Marian pilgrimage was a favorite devotion of Saint Josemaría Escrivá.

After his first visit to a shrine near Avila, Spain, he established the custom of a May pilgrimage for people in Opus Dei. Each May, people continue to make a pilgrimage to a shrine or other place where Mary is venerated.

“I remember how in 1933 I went to visit a shrine in Spain, the shrine of our Lady of Sonsoles. It wasn’t a pilgrimage in the normal sense: nothing noisy or elaborate, just three of us. I respect and love public demonstrations of devotion, but I must admit I prefer to offer Mary the same affection, the same enthusiasm, in private visits or with very few people — a more intimate sort of thing.” - St. Josemaria Escriva

How to Make a Family Marian Pilgrimage

You can follow the same details from St. Josemaria’s pilgrimage:

  1. Prepare with the free devotional guide The May Pilgrimage: Sowing Peace & Joy in the World.

  2. Find a local shrine or church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

  3. Keep a spirit of prayer and penance.

  4. Pray one set of the mysteries of the rosary on the way there and another on the way back. At the shrine itself, or before the picture or statue of Our Lady that is visited, pray the mysteries of the rosary for that day of the week, plus the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Remember to:

  • Bring a rosary.

  • You can bring a booklet to help you pray and meditate on the mysteries of the rosary. For example, Praying the Rosary with St. Josemaria Escriva.

  • Think about all the special intentions and prayers of thanksgiving that you want to bring to Mary. (You can have your kids write down their intentions)

  • Pray for the intentions of the Pope and the needs of the Church.

  • Pray for the intentions of those who are with you on the pilgrimage.

Also, happy Feast of Our Lady of Fatima today! Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us.

In Christ,

Trevor

P.S.

Have you seen our animations?

We pray the Rosary every day at 6am PT / 8am CT on Instagram, you are welcome to join us!