May Crowning is an event in the Catholic faith that occurs every May to honor and recognize our Blessed Mother Mary. Because of her example, Mary serves as an iconic symbol in Christianity that represents sacrifice, love, and guidance.
The May Crowning Mass we had at Cathedral was beautiful, with the addition of flowers presented by senior female students (as well as some staff) at the beginning to honor Mary.
As the Mother of God, Mary has earned sainthood in the holiest of ways by accepting God’s call and dedicating her life to Jesus Christ. Catholics pray Hail Marys to Mary so that she may know we are asking for her intercession.
Ms. Valentini, a religion teacher at CCHS, shared helpful advice when trying to find a way to incorporate Mary into your prayers, specifically by “connecting to an image of Mary.” That could be praying the rosary or connecting with her as Our Lady of Guadalupe or Our Lady of Lourdes.
“She serves God,” Mrs. Valentini said, “she’s one of our main intercessors.” This is why it’s important to sometimes pray with her so that you have her powers alongside you with your prayers. While praying on our own to God can be a great way to channel your faith and feel fulfillment, it is rewarding to pray through Mary so that you also have the Holy Mother on your side.
One of Cathedral’s Miles Christi priests, Father Paul, explained how Mary helped God with his plan. “Jesus wanted to come into the world through her, so he took flesh in the womb of our blessed Mother.” Most Catholic students know this and have been told the story of Jesus and Mary many times, but it’s important to always be reminded of the miracle of Jesus, who could only come through Mary saying “yes” to God’s plan.
Why is May Crowning associated with May and Mary with flowers though? The answer is “flowers and spring, it’s at its peak.” Father Paul shared that “it’s associated with the femininity of Our Blessed Mother.”
Mary was the ultimate example of what to do in response to God’s call. She was also an essential part in guiding Jesus’ journey. “Doing what God’s asking of you,” student Kate Terry ‘26 shared when asked what we can do to be more like Mary.
Everyone can make an effort to be a little more like Mary and say yes to God’s call to be a kind person. This is why the celebration of her and the May Crowning is so important to our faith.
