Typically when we think of a papal encyclical, we might think of hard-hitting topics like AI, social justice, or the difficulties of family life.
Yet, when Pope Paul VI wrote an encyclical in 1965, it was literally called, "The Month of May" (Mense Maio in Latin).
It's a curious name for a papal encyclical, but includes a variety of topics that affirm popular devotions that occur during this time of the year.
Marian devotion
First of all, St. Paul VI begins his encyclical praising devotion to the Blessed Mother during the month of May:
The month of May is almost here, a month which the piety of the faithful has long dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God. Our heart rejoices at the thought of the moving tribute of faith and love which will soon be paid to the Queen of Heaven in every corner of the earth...We are delighted and consoled by this pious custom associated with the month of May, which pays honor to the Blessed Virgin and brings such rich benefits to the Christian people.
He also affirmed the ability of Marian devotion to bring us closer to Jesus, "Since Mary is rightly to be regarded as the way by which we are led to Christ, the person who encounters Mary cannot help but encounter Christ likewise. For what other reason do we continually turn to Mary except to seek the Christ in her arms, to seek our Savior in her, through her, and with her?"
Prayers for peace
The rest of his encyclical was primarily focused on praying for peace during the month of May. He recalls that his predecessors would often use this month to bring to mind urgent needs in the world to pray for, through the intercession of the Blessed Mother:
Because the month of May is a powerful incentive to more frequent and fervent prayers, and because our petitions more readily find access to her compassionate heart during it, it has been a favorite custom of Our predecessors to choose this month, dedicated to Mary, for urging the Christian people to offer up public prayers whenever the needs of the Church demanded it or some grave crisis threatened the human race.
At the time when he wrote the encyclical in 1965, the Vietnam War was nearing its peak and was was occuring in other parts of the world as well.
Interestingly, St. Paul VI's feast day was inserted into the Roman Calendar on May 29, the anniversary of his ordination.
As a result, the pontiff who dedicated an entire encyclical to the month of May is honored each year during this month.
