How to Decorate the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in May

Mary has been honored in May since the 13th century.

Our Lady of Fatima is one of the many names Roman Catholics have given to Mary, the mother of Jesus. This title was granted because on May 13, 1917, an apparition of Mary appeared to some children in Fatima, Portugal to reveal prophetic secrets. May also has become the month when Mother's Day is celebrated, making it a special month for honoring Mary. As such, there is no better time to build a shrine and venerate Mary than the month of May.

Things You'll Need

• Table or pedestal
• Cloth
• Statue of Mary
• Vases and baskets
• Flowers
• Candles
• Personal items
• Floral crown

Instructions

1. Locate a prominent spot for your shrine. Clean it to prepare it. Place a table or pedestal there as an altar.

2. Drape the altar with a blue or white cloth. These colors, which Our Lady of Fatima often is depicted wearing, are closely associated with Mary. Place a statue of Mary on the center of the altar.

3. Surround her with flowers. Place vases on each side of her or behind her to hold bouquets. Place baskets or bouquets in front of her feet so you don't block the statue. Many flowers are associated with Mary, such as roses, lilies, pansies, petunias and forget-me-nots.

4. Decorate your altar with candles. Religious supply stores sell seven-day candles in glass holders. You can find some candles with images of Mary on them.

5. Choose personal items for the altar, such as rosary beads, prayer cards or crosses. Arrange all the elements attractively around the central statue.

6. Make a crown of flowers, and crown Mary with them. Putting a crown on her head is a traditional part of veneration during the month of May.

References

• "The Real Presence Association"; Modern Catholic Dictionary; Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J.
• "Catholic Anchor Online"; Christians have long honored Mary in May; Patricia Coll Freeman
• "Catholic Culture"; Flowers for the Fairest; Daniel J. Foley