May is the month set aside to pay tribute to Mary, the Mother of God, and the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee publicized Pope Francis' prayer intention for young people that the faithful should offer up this month.

“Join Pope Francis in praying this prayer intention for the month of May: ‘We pray for all young people, called to live life to the fullest; may they see in Mary’s life the way to listen, the depth of discernment, the courage that faith generates, and the dedication to service,’” the diocese posted on Facebook. 

Mary holds a unique spot in the Catholic faith. As a human being, Catholic doctrine recognizes her need to be saved by God, but as the woman who gave birth to Jesus, she was the recipient of the gift of God's grace to an extent that is unparalleled, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) says. 

Mary's willingness to follow God's plan, even though it put her at risk of ridicule and stoning for adultery, means she holds a crucial role in the tenet of salvation. Catholics view Mary as a role model for discipleship and often ask for her intercession in their prayers. 

Mary has long been honored for doing God’s bidding, with the practice of setting aside a whole month to honor her dating to the late 1200s, Catholic Culture says, adding that the practice became more popular during the 1700s. 

Pope Francis is not the first pope to offer guidance for Catholics on ways to honor Mary throughout the month. In 2002, St. Pope John Paul II, for example, said: "Today we begin the month dedicated to Our Lady a favorite of popular devotion. In accord with a long-standing tradition of devotion, parishes and families continue to make the month of May a 'Marian' month, celebrating it with many devout liturgical, catechetical and pastoral initiatives!” 

Mary’s historical importance in the Catholic Church is such that multiple feast days recognize her throughout the year, the Marians say. The Catholic Feast of Our Lady of Fatima on May 13, and the Visitation on May 31 are two special days during her special month. Other feast days include the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Jan. 1); the Annunciation (March 25); Mary's Assumption into Heaven (Aug. 15); and the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8).