Homes, schools and parishes across the Diocese of Lansing have this week been crowning the Blessed Virgin Mary as Queen of the May – including at Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Lansing.
“We also want to take the time today, even in our own hearts, not just to allow Mary to be the Queen of Heaven and the Queen of Earth but to allow Mary to be the queen of our hearts, as well,” said IHM pastor, Father Jim Rolph, May 3.
A heightened love for the Blessed Virgin Mary during the month of May is a venerable and pious Christian custom. It is a month that particularly celebrates Mary as the greatest earthly role model of Christian discipleship and the most powerful heavenly intercessor with her Divine Son.
That is why, to begin this special Marian month, many parishes, homes and schools host a May Crowning in which a statue of the Virgin Mary is adorned with a floral crown to honor her as the “Queen of the May”.
This Marian coronation can take place during the course of Holy Mass or during a special prayer service. The 19th century hymn, "Bring Flowers of the Rarest", by Mary E. Walsh is often sung upon such occasions. To be chosen to perform the crowning is generally regarded as a special honor. Enjoy the film! Ave Maria!