Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Monday, August 24
This past Saturday we celebrated the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pope Pius XII established this feast day in 1954—the Saturday following the Assumption of Mary. Mary’s queenship is rooted in Scripture. At the Annunciation, Gabriel announces that Mary’s Son would receive the throne of David and rule forever. At the Visitation, Elizabeth calls Mary, “mother of my Lord.” As in all the mysteries of Mary’s life, she is closely associated with Jesus. Her queenship is a share in Jesus’ kingship. We can also recall that in the Old Testament the mother of the king has great influence in courts.
Other references to Mary’s queenship come for the fourth century Saint Ephrem, who called Mary “Lady” and “Queen.” Hymns from the 11th to 13th centuries reference Mary as queen: “Hail, Holy Queen,” “Hail, Queen of Heaven,” “Queen of Heaven.” And there are several litanies that celebrate Mary’s queenship. And the Queenship of Mary is commemorated in the last of the Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary—the Coronation of the Virgin as Queen of Heaven and Earth.
The feast is a logical follow-up to the Assumption. Pope Pius XII points out that Mary deserves the title because she is the Mother of God because she is closely associated as the New Eve with Jesus’ redemptive work, because of her preeminent perfection, and because of her intercessory power. Mary, Assumed into Heaven, is believed to be the “Dispenser” of all graces. Mary, then, is ever-living ever- giving of the lively activity of God’s Presence, or Grace, to her motherly-loved family.
Prayer to Mary, Queen of the Home
Oh, Blessed Virgin Mary, you are the Mother and Queen of every Christian family. When you conceived and gave birth to Jesus, human motherhood reached its greatest achievement. From the time of the Annunciation, you were the living chalice of the Son of God made Man. You are the Queen of the home. As a woman of faith, you inspire all mothers to transmit faith to their children.
Watch over our families. Let the children learn free and loving obedience inspired by your obedience to God. Let parents learn dedication and selflessness based on your unselfish attitude. Let all families honor you and remain devoted to you so that they may be held together by your example and your intercession.
Amen
