When the Angel Gabriel appeared to a young woman in Nazareth, the course of human history changed forever – not because Mary was powerful or prominent, but because she was humble. Her quiet, trusting fiat – “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38) – was a yes rooted not in pride or self-assurance, but in total surrender to God’s will.

This May, as we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, we are invited to reflect not only on her beauty and glory, but on the humility that made her so pleasing to the Lord. And more than that – we are invited to imitate it.

The Strength of Mary’s Humility

Mary’s humility wasn’t passive. It didn’t mean she thought little of herself or lacked courage. Her humility was active trust – a willingness to receive everything from God’s hand, to serve in silence, and to give her whole life to a mission she didn’t fully understand.

She didn’t seek recognition. She didn’t argue for her plan. She simply listened, trusted, and responded: yes.

In family life, this kind of humility is often called for in hidden ways:

• Saying yes to an exhausting day of caring for little ones.
  
• Serving a spouse quietly instead of seeking praise.
  
• Being open to God’s plans when they differ from our own.
  

In each of these, we can look to Mary, whose humility was her strength – and her joy.

A Family Invitation: Make a Marian Pilgrimage

May is the month of Mary, and one powerful way to honor her and grow in humility as a family is to make a pilgrimage in her honor.

This doesn’t have to mean hopping on a plane to Lourdes or Fatima (though that would be beautiful!). A Marian pilgrimage can be as simple as:

• Visiting a local shrine or Marian statue as a family
  
• Praying three parts of the Rosary while walking in nature. Perhaps focusing on the Joyful, Luminous and Glorious mysteries which contain many moments of Mary’s motherly affection for her Son.
  

Want to learn more about this rich tradition of making a Marian pilgrimage in May? Here’s a podcast episode explaining the custom and a blog post giving tips on how to make this a reality in your family. 

Ask Mary for the Gift of Humility

Mary, Mother of Fairest Love, understands the challenges of family life. She sees our desire to love well, to be patient, to serve, and to surrender – even when it’s hard. And she longs to help.

This month, ask her specifically for the grace of humility – not as a burden, but as a freedom. Ask her to:

• Teach you to trust God more deeply
  
• Help you accept your limitations without shame
  
• Show you how to serve your family with joy
  

Pray simply: Mary, teach me your humble yes. Help me to say yes to God in the quiet, ordinary moments of my life. Form my heart to look like yours.

Following Mary Builds Strong Families

Mary’s humility didn’t diminish her – it magnified her. Because she made room for God, He did great things through her.

As we seek to build a strong family culture rooted in love and grace, there’s no better model than Mary. Her humble yes paved the way for our salvation – and it still lights the path for each of us today.