Welcome to May 2024, a month in which we continue to celebrate the joy of the Easter Season. In this month, in a special way, the Church draws attention to the Mother of the risen Lord who stood beside Her Son in His Passion, at the foot of His cross, and now shares in His glory having been conferred with the title of Regina Caeli i.e. Queen of heaven. We also celebrate two significant days; which not only bring the season of Easter to a close but also complete the joy brought by the risen Lord: the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord (May 9th) and Pentecost Sunday (May 19th). As the risen Christ ascends body and soul into heaven, He leaves us with the promise of the Holy Spirit, which He fulfills in union with the Father, only 10 days after His ascension.
Therefore, as we await the outpouring of God’s Spirit, let us prepare ourselves to be worthy of His gifts and ready to bear good fruits. Also, in May, we admonish you to intensify your devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of the risen Christ and Spouse of the Holy Spirit. As the May Devotion commences on the first day of the month, I urge you all to be committed to the daily recitation of the Holy Rosary; asking Our Lady’s maternal intercession for ourselves and our country Nigeria. In this month are also some important feast days: St. Joseph the Worker (May 1st), St. Athanasius (May 2nd), Ss. Philip and James (May 3rd), Our Lady of Fatima (May 13th), St. Bernardine of Siena (May 20th), St. Rita of Cascia (May 22nd), St. Philip Neri (May 26th), Mary Mother of the Church (May 18th) in our Archdiocese), Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (May 31st).
Archbishop’s intention for May 2024
For all Workers: We pray for all those who work to fend for themselves and their families. May God bless the work of their hands and may they reap bountiful harvests. May St. Joseph the Worker intercede for them.
• Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos.
