Thirty-Two Instructions for the Month of May And for the Feasts of the Blessed Virgin

From time to time we have heard it regretfully asserted that books of devotion were not sufficiently numerous among us. These regrets are spoken not only by religious, but by the laity also. Now, if this statement be true, it applies particularly to books of devotion which have for their object the increase of knowledge and love for our blessed Mother. The fault is perhaps not wholly ours. For the last three hundred years our language has not been spoken by Catholics only, while the French, for example, has been the language spoken by Catholics always. It is little wonder, therefore, that Catholic literature in French is most abundant. By accident a little" Month of May" written in French has fallen into my hands. After reading the instructions I resolved to give them an English dress. I utterly disclaim all authorship of the work, as I have almost slavishly adhered to a literal translation. I have found these instructions glowing with a spirit of piety, eminently practical, and especially free from all sentimentalism-a characteristic which is frequently found in writings of this kind. They are written in that orderly and methodical manner so peculiar to the French mind. I think the doctrine is exact. I know they have been helpful to me when preparing to speak before sodalities and confraternities of the Blessed Virgin. My earnest wish is that this may be the experience of some other priests who are act. ively engaged in the work of the sacred ministry. Then, just as they are, "without one plea," I submit these instructions to the kind consideration of the Reverend Clergy and the devout clients of: Mary. 1Iay they prove helpful and useful to increase devotion to her whom we love to call Mother of God and our Mother! T. F. W.