May has long been known as the month of Mary. As spring unfolds and the world comes alive with new beauty, the Church turns in a special way to the Blessed Virgin Mary, honoring her as Mother, intercessor, and the one who always leads us closer to her Son. For centuries, Catholics have marked this month with simple but meaningful acts of devotion: praying the Rosary more faithfully, placing flowers before her images, and making pilgrimages to Our Lady and shrines and chapels dedicated to her.

A pilgrimage, even a small one, is a powerful act. It is a way of stepping out of ordinary life, even briefly, to seek God with intention. It reminds us that the spiritual life is a journey and that we are not meant to walk it alone.

This May, we invite you to make a pilgrimage to Mary, Mother of Fairest Love.

A Pilgrimage to Mary, Mother of Fairest Love

In a world that often feels rushed and distracted, a pilgrimage creates space. It allows the heart to slow down, to reflect, and to bring intentions before God through the intercession of His Mother. Whether the journey is long or short, what matters most is the intention to draw closer to Christ through Mary.

For those near Southern California or Chicago, there are now two beautiful places to encounter Mary, Mother of Fairest Love in a tangible way.

Each statue invites the faithful into prayer, offering a place to bring both joys and burdens before a mother who listens with tenderness and care.

Covina, California: The Original Marble Statue

The original marble statue of Mary, Mother of Fairest Love, is currently housed at St. Louise de Marillac in Covina, California.

Carved with great care and reverence by Cody Swanson, the statue reflects the quiet beauty of Our Mother, drawing those who encounter her into prayer and contemplation. Many who visit speak of the peace they experience simply by spending time in her presence.

For pilgrims in the Los Angeles area, this statue offers a unique opportunity to pause, pray, and entrust personal and family intentions to Mary.

Chicago, Illinois: A New Home for Mary

This month also brings a joyful milestone.

The full-sized bronze replica of the original marble statue has officially arrived at St. Mary of the Angels in Chicago.

This new statue now stands at the front of the church, to the right of the main altar, an especially fitting place, where Our Lady quietly accompanies the faithful as they come to worship her Son in the Eucharist.

For those in the Chicago area, this marks the beginning of a new opportunity for pilgrimage.

Visitors are invited to come, spend time in prayer, and encounter Mary as a mother who gently leads her children closer to Christ. Whether stopping in for a few minutes or setting aside time for deeper reflection, this sacred space offers a place to bring every intention before God.

Bringing Your Intentions to Mary

Pilgrimage is not only about visiting a place, it is also about bringing something of the heart.

As you come before Mary, Mother of Fairest Love, consider the intentions you carry with you:

• your family and loved ones
• your hopes and uncertainties
• your struggles and burdens
• your gratitude and joys

Mary receives each of these with the tenderness of a mother.

She does not replace Christ but leads us directly to Him, helping us trust more deeply in His love and providence. Many pilgrims find that simply placing their intentions before her brings a sense of peace and clarity.

Making a Pilgrimage, Wherever You Are

Not everyone will be able to travel to Covina or Chicago this month. Yet the spirit of pilgrimage is not limited by distance.

You can make a pilgrimage in your own way:

• visiting a local parish with a Marian statue
• setting aside time for prayer before an image of Our Lady at home
• praying the Rosary with renewed intention
• offering a simple act of devotion each day of May

What matters most is the movement of the heart. When we intentionally turn to Mary, we allow her to guide us closer to Christ.

The month of May is an invitation.

It is an invitation to slow down, to seek beauty, and to deepen our relationship with the Mother who never stops interceding for her children.

Whether you travel to Covina, visit the new statue in Chicago, or pray quietly at home, Mary, Mother of Fairest Love is ready to receive you.

And as she has done for generations of believers, she will gently lead you to her Son.