The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Feast day: August 22
God honors Mary as Queen of heaven and earth, beside her Son, Jesus the King (22/08)
What is this feast?
The feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrates the glory God has given Mary in heaven. Pope Pius XII established this feast in 1954. At first it was celebrated on 31 May; since 1969 it has been celebrated on 22 August, a week after the Assumption, on its octave day (counting 15 August), to link the two mysteries.
The story
Mary did not wear a crown when she lived in Nazareth. She was a poor young woman who called herself the Lord’s “handmaid”. She sang: “For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.” (Lk 1:48).
Because Mary was humble, God lifted her up high. The angel Gabriel had announced that her Son would receive the throne of King David and that his kingdom would have no end (cf. Lk 1:32-33). In the kingdoms of long ago, the king’s mother was especially honored and often brought the people’s requests to the king. Mary does the same: she prays for us before Jesus.
The Book of Revelation describes a Woman with these words: “on her head a crown of twelve stars” (Rv 12:1). The tradition of the Church often understands this image as speaking of Mary.
Why does the Church celebrate this feast?
The Church celebrates because Mary’s glory is our hope: those who are faithful to God will also share in his glory. The Rosary also invites us to reflect on Mary being crowned in heaven, in the fifth Glorious Mystery.
A lesson for you
- Pray a Hail, Holy Queen today to honor Mary.
- Be humble like Mary: do not show off, and be ready to do little jobs.
- When you need help, ask Mary to pray for you.
Identifying marks
- A golden crown on Mary’s head: God honors her as Queen, because she is the Mother of Jesus, the King of kings.
- A scepter topped with a lily: Mary is a humble and pure Queen; the lily speaks of her purity.
- Her left hand open toward you: Mary is Queen in order to serve, always ready to pray for her children so they receive God’s grace.
- Mary standing on clouds, in the light of heaven: she was taken up to heaven body and soul and now shares God’s glory.
- A white robe, a blue mantle with a golden border: white is purity, blue is the high heavens, and the golden border is the clothing of a queen.
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