Affiliate Disclosure
The Little Shepherds may contain affiliate links on our blog. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Please don’t be offended by them, we are just trying to support this little website with the help of our amazing friends. We make a small commission on any purchases through those links, so if you’re inclined, please check them out. There’s no additional cost to you, and any links provided are items we would personally recommend.
May is one of my favorite months. The weather is turning warmer, the trees and flowers have bloomed, we have more outdoor activities, and of course, it’s the month of Mary!
I’m a big fan of the Blessed Mother. I’ve always had a special relationship with her (as everyone should), so spending this month celebrating her sounds remarkable to me.
There are many important milestones in May relating to our mother, such as May crowning, Mother’s Day (May 12th), the anniversary of Fatima (May 13th), Mary, Mother of the Church (May 20th for 2024), Mary Help of Christians (May 24th) and The Visitation (May 31st).
This website, The Little Shepherds, is named after the three children of Fatima that saw apparitions of The Blessed Virgin Mary, starting on May 13, 1917. Mary appeared to three shepherd children, Lucia dos Santos, and her cousins Francisco Marto and Jacinta Marto.
These apparitions took place over several months and focused on warning God’s people of terrible consequences if people didn’t convert back to following our Lord.
She promised the children they would go to heaven and asked them to offer themselves to God and bear all the sufferings He sent them as an act of reparation for sins and for the conversion of sinners.
On October 13, 1917, a miracle was witnessed by approximately 70,000 people who came to Fatima after hearing about the children receiving visions. The sun started dancing and spinning in the sky and appeared as if it was going to come hurtling towards the earth. It had rained heavily that day but everyone’s clothes miraculously dried up after that event.
To celebrate the events at Fatima, as well as honoring our Blessed Mother, here are 31 days of celebration ideas for children and families.
Important Dates
- May 12th – Mother’s Day
- May 13th – Our Lady of Fatima (on which you can receive an indulgence)
- May 20th (2024 feast day, celebrated the Monday after Pentecost) – Mary, Mother of the Church
- May 24th – Mary Help of Christians (a good day to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world)
- May 31st – The Visitation (a good day to pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary)
Marian Apparition Investigation by Look to Him and Be Radiant
What better way to celebrate Mary than investigating all of the titles given to our Blessed Mother. Mary has appeared to many people under different titles and appearances, always with the same message of turning back to God and seeking reconciliation with Him.
This activity is geared toward a little older age group because of the amount of research involved, but little ones can join in on the discussion after the research is complete.
Miracle of the Sun Spinner by Catholic Icing
This easy to do craft from Catholic Icing is a great demonstration of the miracle of the sun that was witnessed by over 70,000 people in Fatima, Portugal on October 13, 1917.
These spinners move and “dance” like the sun did on that day. This fun craft is a perfect activity for the whole family and entertaining for kids young and old.
Miracle of the Sun – Our Lady of Fatima – Catholic Booklet at Teachers Pay Teachers
This free booklet on Teachers Pay Teachers is a great learning tool about the miracles in Fatimal, Portugal in 1917. It tells the story of the three shepherd children who saw the Virgin Mary and received predictions on what would happen if the world didn’t turn back to God. There are 12 coloring page activities and this is suitable for children Pre-K to 12th grade.
Spinning Sun Craft by BunnieClaire on YouTube
Another spinning sun project, this cute craft is easy enough for young children to complete with some adult supervision. BunnieClaire breaks it down into easy to follow steps and the result is a spinning sun that moves with air blown through a straw.
Rosary Guide Coloring Pages
What better way to celebrate Mary than with a rosary? This special devotion reflects on the life of Jesus and Mary and is a great way to draw closer to both of them while thinking about their life and actions.
Young children can learn to say the rosary with the family with the Blank Rosary Guide Coloring Pages or Visual Rosary Guide for Children. As they move through each step or decade, have them color each part a different color. The color-coded beads help them visualize where they are in the rosary and what steps come next. Need a little help getting started? Check out our advice on teaching children how to say the rosary without losing your mind.
Paper Vase and Bouquet for Your Mother and Mary by Catholic Inspired
Who wouldn’t love to surprise their mother with a bouquet of flowers? Catholic Inspired has created this paper vase and bouquet as a special gift to Mary or your own mother. Just download the free printable, color the flowers and vase, then cut, glue and assemble. The end result is a beautiful bouquet that can be presented to mom or placed on a Marian alter.
Miracle of the Sun Art Project by Catholic Inspired
There’s no limit to how creative kids can get with this Miracle of the Sun art project by Catholic Inspired. Have children imagine what a dancing sun would look like, then have them draw it out on construction paper. The next step is to create the “crowds” of people by simply drawing silhouettes that can be placed at different levels. There’s no right design for this simple project, just as imaginative as children can be.
Miraculous Medal Craft by Catholic Icing
Another way to celebrate Mary this May is with this Miraculous Medal Craft by Catholic Icing. The Miraculous Medal design was given to Saint Catherine Laboure by Mary, who requested that a medal be made with her image of the Immaculate Conception. She told St. Catherine that anyone who wears it would receive special graces, especially when worn around their neck.
I have my own miraculous medal necklace but kids can get in on those special graces too by creating their very own medal made from tinfoil and foam. These can even be hung up in their rooms as a daily reminder of Mary’s special love for her children.
Our Lady of Fatima Coloring Page by The Catholic Kid
Coloring pages are always a great way to teach about Mary. This simple one from The Catholic Kid shows the scene of Mary speaking to the shepherd children, as she did in 1917 in Fatima, Portugal.
Easy Rosary Craft by Catholic Icing
Another Rosary activity, this time the children can make their own with one decade. This is a super simple craft that is a great introduction to the rosary, allowing children to express their creativity while learning this important devotional.
Our Lady of Fatima Mini Book by Drawn2BCreative
This cute mini-book from Drawn2BCreative tells the story of Fatima through an original poem. This makes a great simple project for any age, with an easy to understand dialogue. Children can color each page, fold into a booklet, then recite the poem about Fatima.
Create a Marian Alter
There’s no specific way to set up a Marian alter in your home. Just simply collect statues, rosaries, pictures or other devotionals and set them up in a special place in your home.
And it doesn’t have to be specifically for Mary. I live in a small home and there aren’t a lot of open areas to place these items. I set up my own alter in my home office, which is now a spare bedroom since our kids are all grown. But any little nook in the house will do, or even your dresser if you’re short on space.
I personally have this 10″ statue of Our Lady of Fatima (of course!), along with a portrait of Jesus that has been in my family since I was a kid. I have a few other statues and prayer cards, a rosary and brown scapular that I also have had since I was a kid. The pink jar and vase are just because I like pink.
Paper Mary Dolls by Catholic Sprouts
These adorable paper Mary dolls are perfect for “dressing up” Mary in different situations. There’s a crown for a May crowning, baby Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and a rosary.
Have kids first color in each doll, then cut out the different accessories which can be placed on Mary. For a more interesting activity, try telling a story for each doll, having your kids place the items on Mary as you explain them.
Movies to Watch
For a family activity, try watching a movie about the story of Fatima. The Day the Sun Danced is geared toward younger children and is animated, but any of these movies would be appropriate for teaching about Our Lady of Fatima.
The Day the Sun Danced: The True Story Of Fatima
The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima
Books to Read
Books are great for the imagination and these do a great job of telling the story of the little shepherds who saw Mary at Fatima, Portugal. Each one is beautifully illustrated and simple enough for children to understand. Parents will also enjoy learning the details of these miraculous visions, with an important lesson for every member of the family.
Mary and the Little Shepherds of Fatima
The Children Of Fatima (Saints Lives)
Our Lady of Fatima: Graphic Novel
Culinary Treats to Make
Turn the month of May into not only a remembrance of Mary, but also a celebration! Food is the perfect way to celebrate milestones, and these culinary delights are great ways to teach and treat at the same time. From May Crowning Rice Krispie crowns to Miracle of the Sun fruit platters, children will enjoy learning these important lessons with a delicious treat at the end.
Mary, Mother of the Church Game by Catholic Toolbox
In 2018, Pope Francis added this feast day to be celebrated the Monday after Pentecost. The gospel reading for this feast is from John 19:25-31, which recounts how Jesus, when dying on the cross, entrusted Mary to his disciples, and his disciples to Mary.
25 Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala.
26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.”
27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
To honor Mary as the mother to our Holy Church, Catholic Toolbox created this file folder game. The objective for the game is to answer questions about Mary and when answered correctly, they receive a letter tile. The first player to receive all letters that spell “Mary” wins the game.
The Feast of the Assumption Craft by Real Life at Home
Even though this feast day isn’t until August, Mary’s assumption into heaven can be celebrated any time of the year. The Assumption celebrates how Mary was assumed into heaven by her son, body and soul, after “falling asleep”.
Kids can visualize her rising into the heavenly kingdom, as the angels sing on cotton clouds. As Mary ascends into heaven, a crown is placed upon her head, giving her the title of our Queen Mother.
Queen Mary Coloring Page
Another way to celebrate Mary’s queenship, this coloring page from The Little Shepherds displays Mary as the Virgin of Fatima. Kids can color her as she appeared to the children of Fatima, clothed in royal splendor.
30 Minute May Crowning Craft for Toddlers by Call Her Happy
Often the May crowning is designated for grade school level children, but toddlers can join in on the celebration with this easy 30 minute may crowning craft from Call Her Happy.
The coloring sheet can be left blank or colored by your little one. Next take some tissue paper and make paper flowers to be glued to Mary’s crown as you explain how Mary is the queen of heaven and earth.
To make this even more special, collect some flowers from your yard or garden, place them in a vase and place them next to a picture or statue of Mary. Easy enough for toddlers but a great activity for any age level.
Mary Walking Among the Flowers Art Project by Catholic Inspired
Speaking of flowers, why not try this art project that depicts Mary walking among flowers. This project is as easy as printing Mary and the flowers, coloring them, then cutting them out and attaching the flowers as a frame around Mary. This is a lovely way to depict our beautiful mother, surrounded by earthly beauty.
Marian Grotto Kit: Our Lady of Fatima by Illuminated Ink
If you’re feeling really handy, try this Marian Grotto of Our Lady of Fatima, designed by Illuminated Ink. Although this is a paid project, you are free to create your own similar grotto out of store bought materials.
This particular craft comes with everything you need to build a grotto around Our Lady, with striking gemstones made from turquesite, turritella agate, moss agate and yellow jasper. When completed, this would make a beautiful addition to a home alter.
Rosary Hopscotch by Johnson Party of 5
Make the rosary an easy to learn activity with this creative rosary hopscotch. This is a great way to help young ones visualize the rosary beads and format of prayer while also making for a fun challenge. This is also constructed to be reusable so your family can store it until ready to use it in the next family rosary.
Make a Mary Costume from Catholic All Year
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. So why not have your children dress up as Mary and teach them how to imitate her life? Young children often learn best from role playing, and this very easy to create costume helps them do just that. Catholic All Year actually has over 150 costume ideas for kids, so you can help them learn about a multitude of saints.
- White t-shirt tunic
- Blue t-shirt cape & belt
- White t-shirt veil
Cuts: On the blue shirt, cut a 2 inch strip from the bottom and cut one edge to create a belt. Make a trapezoid-shaped cut from the front (leaving the collar band intact) to make her cape.
Assembly: put on white shirt, add blue belt, add blue cape, add white veil
Spiritual Bouquet from Call Her Happy
What kid doesn’t love to present their mother with some freshly picked wildflowers as a token of their love? This spiritual bouquet is much the same, but with a specific purpose.
Spiritual bouquets used to be a more common practice that was traditionally given to commemorate a special occasion or as prayer intentions. This bouquet can be like a personalized prayer card given to someone special, with young ones being taught the importance of praying for others.
Have them color in the flowers and write a prayer intention on the flower or petal, or on a separate sheet of paper, then arrange in a lovely bouquet to be presented to someone special.
Have a Tea Party With the Blessed Mother by Catholic Inspired
This tea party is not only adorable, it’s also a great opportunity for bonding between children and mothers, especially when it involves our Heavenly Mother.
There are so many ways to make this tea party extra special, from decorating a Marian alter, to invitations, decorations and homemade treats. Catholic Inspired even has cute little teapots and teacups to help decorate.
Miracle of the Sun Catcher Video Tutorial by Catholic Homebody
Sun Catchers are such a fun and easy craft for kids of all ages. This video from Catholic Homebody gives instructions for creating these sun catchers that can be used to celebrate Our Lady of Fatima and the Miracle of the Sun.
Young ones may need help with cutting out the tissue paper and attaching it to the contact paper, but the final result is a beautiful sun catcher that can be displayed all year round.
Mary Diorama by Catholic Sistas
I always enjoyed making dioramas when I was younger. There’s something so interesting about adding details to create the perfect scene of whatever you are trying to depict. In this diorama from Catholic Sistas, the scene kids are creating is one of our Blessed Mother surrounded by flowers.
You can create this diorama from the materials provided by Catholic Sistas or you can add your own details to dress it up even more. There are many ways to make this a beautiful memorial to Mary.
DIY Rosary for Kids by Just One Carry On
Instead of just teaching children about the rosary, why not have them try to make their very own? Just One Carry On has created this easy to follow tutorial using items that can be purchased from Walmart or Amazon, or you may have these craft items around your house already. Along with instructions for creating the rosary, she also includes instructions on how to say the rosary. So when the work is complete, use the booklet to teach the steps of the rosary.
Spinning Sun Pinwheel by Drawn2BCreative
Another great craft project from Drawn2BCreative, these creative spinning sun pinwheels demonstrate the miracle of the spinning sun that occurred in Fatima, Portugal in 1917.
The beauty of this project is it not only teaches about Our Lady of Fatima, kids will have a blast blowing on the pinwheel and watching their sun “spin” over and over.
Have a Home May Crowning by Wildflowers and Marbles
The simplest way to celebrate Mary through the month of May is to have your own home May crowning. Wildflowers and Marbles explains how her family created the Blessed Virgin’s alter, complete with pictures, candles and beautiful flowers that can be collected from your own yard or garden. This simple activity gets the kids involved and lets them honor Our Mother in their own special way, each contributing something special to the occasion.
Make Your Own Traditions
There are so many ways to celebrate Mary during the month of May. From simple art projects to elaborate celebrations, the only thing that matters is teaching children to honor Mary as our Lord’s mother, something sadly overlooked in this modern society. Teaching them these simple acts of love and devotion will help instill a bond between them and Mary that will last them through their whole lives, a gift that will always keep giving.
What is your family’s special way of celebrating Mary?
Add comment