Mary and the Month of May

May Crowning

May, known as Mary’s month, has deep-rooted traditions connecting it to the reverence of Mary. The earliest association of May with fertility dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, evolving over time to symbolize new life and renewal, often depicted through the blooming of flowers.

The modern tradition of honoring Mary throughout May can be credited to the Jesuits. In the late eighteenth century, Father Latomia of the Roman College of the Society of Jesus pledged to dedicate the entire month of May to Mary as a response to increasing moral challenges among students. This devotion soon spread from Rome to Jesuit institutions worldwide.

On Thursday, May 2nd, the St. Catherine Academy community gathered to partake in the longstanding custom of the May Crowning. Representatives from each class, chosen by their peers for embodying Mary’s virtues, participate in the ceremony. The event includes traditional rituals such as a flower procession culminating in the crowning of the Blessed Mother. Every student contributed fresh flowers, symbolizing their devotion, with buckets provided outside the chapel for flower drop-offs before the start of the school day.

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Mary's Court 2024

• Valeria Aguirre-Sullivan^'25
• Mia Bonasso^'26
• Claire Borek^'25
• Lucia Grossi^'27
• Brielle Hale^'27
• Gracie Klein^'25
• Tia Manimalethu^'24
• Sarah Pallushaj^'24
• Sophia Patti^'26
• Maria Perrier^'27
• Abby Savage^'24
• Maddy Quint^'26
• Angelica Valenton^'27
• Cecilia Vincent^'26
• Lily Wolocko^'25
• Rose Worth^'24

We extend our gratitude to Philomena Sproule, Class of 2024, for her beautiful performance of Ave Maria on the viola. Thank you also to Sr. Mary Ann for organizing a beautiful ceremony. Enjoy!

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