Who doesn’t want more heavenly help? Why not turn to Our lady and seek her intersession! Today on Pro-Tips for Catholic Parents on Spirit Catholic radio, I share about the importance of turning to Our Lady during the Month of August! As we prepare for the hustle and bustle of back to school routines and family life getting in full swing with sports and activities now is the perfect time to pause and pray to Our Lady! Mary the Mother of God wants to help us and offer us new graces to bring us closer to Jesus!

August 5: St. Mary Major in Rome

August 15: Feast of Assumption of Mary (Holy Day)

August 22: Queenship of Mary the Mother of God

Catholic Pro Tips for Parents: Five Simple Ways to Live Marian Devotion During August

1. Attend Mass on August 15 (Holy Day of Obligation):
   • It’s a beautiful act of love and obedience. Take the family!
   • Enjoy a special dinner and set aside some time to be with your family in the midst of the busyness of life. 
   • Remind your family members and share about the importance of the Assumption of Mary- she was assumed body and soul into Heaven. She was the first to fully share in the Resurrection of Christ and she brings hope to all of us! Mary said YES to God’s plan and she invites us to do the same.
2. Host or join an outdoor Rosary gathering:
   • Invite neighbors, friends, or parish members.
   • Light candles, use a statue of Mary, or bring Marian music.
   • Consider the gift of “Airing out your Mary statue” with lighting candles and singing Marian Hymns. Here is a picture from our Rosary the other night
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3. Teach about August’s Marian theme in your home:
   • Have a meal conversation with kids or grandkids.
   • Display an image of the Immaculate Heart in your home.
   • Talk about how Mary wants to bring peace to the world through her Immaculate Heart. 
4. Make it personal—share a story: Do you have a Marian Devotion story you can share? I do! When I was in middle school, my family took a pilgrimage to Rome during the Feast of the Assumption. That trip, seeing the faith alive, changed how I saw Mary’s role in our lives. It reminded me that faith is lived and passed on through memories, action, and time spent together. About a month before we went to Europe, we also took some time to go on a short vacation with the goal of resting, relaxing and also learning how to pray the Rosary! Yep, and now, over 35 years later- I am still praying it! When did you learn how to pray the Rosary? 
5. Honor Mary through acts of love:
   • Perform small works of charity in her honor this month—visiting someone lonely, praying for the sick, or donating to a Marian ministry. Bring flowers to your local parish grotto statue!  

I also recommend doing the Consecration of Mary for the home found at www.WelcomeHisHeart.com. This is a beautiful way to grow closer to Jesus through Mary.