I'll always remember "May Crowning Day" at St. John's School in the 1960's and early 1970's.  The whole school got in line outside and began a procession into church amid a myriad of Marian songs that remain in my mind and heart to this day.  The highlight, of course, was when one of the First Communion girls walked up the steps to crown Mary to the words: "O Mary we crown you with blossoms today, Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May."  While I never objected to getting out of class early on that day, I know that it truly helped to foster devotion to the Blessed Mother and confirm our faith that tells us that Mary was crowned by her glorified son as Queen of heaven and earth.  While I know our Protestant brothers and sisters would not be very positive about our description of Mary in this way, our Catholic faith reminds us that Mary is the great intercessor with her Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ and that He is the one who ultimately has the power to grant our requests and petitions.

Someone asked me the other day why we don't sing Marian songs like we used to, especially in May.  My response is that we can sing Marian songs on all days of the week (especially weekday masses on Saturday morning, the month of May, and Marian feast days).  Sunday, however, being the "Lord's Day," is normally NOT a day in which we sing Marian songs.  An exception to that might be on Mother's Day - especially the song "Be Joyful Mary" which calls Mary and all of us to rejoice in her Son and in His Resurrection, and which is the focus and emphasis of every Sunday Mass, especially during the Easter season.

I appreciate the person who asked that question about singing Marian songs and I will try to include some in our daily Masses in May.