On some local calendars, 23 May remembers St John Baptist de Rossi, an eighteenth-century Roman priest who spent his life with the city’s poorest: homeless men, cattle drovers sleeping in the markets, and women with nowhere to go. He spent so many hours hearing confessions that he was called the apostle of the confessional, much like St John Vianney in France a century later.
Historical Context
A May 23 Prayer to Mary
Holy Mary, in this month of flowers we honour you.
You said yes to God and gave us Jesus.
Pray for me and for my family.
Teach me to listen to your Son as you did,
and to do whatever he tells me.
Amen.
A May Crowning Prayer
Mary, we crown you with flowers today,
Queen of the angels, Queen of the May.
Take our love and give it to Jesus.
Amen.
A Prayer with St John Baptist de Rossi
St John Baptist de Rossi, you found Christ among Rome’s forgotten poor.
Pray that I see the people others walk past.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- On 23 May, or any day in May.
- At a May crowning or before a May altar.
- With a decade of the Rosary.
Scripture Connection
“For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.” — Luke 1:48
Mary predicted that every generation would call her blessed. May devotions are one way of fulfilling her own prophecy.
Related prayers
For May, see the May 4 Prayer, May 26 Prayer and May 29 Prayer. For Mary, Ecce Ancilla.