CHARLOTTE — Across the Diocese of Charlotte, parishes and schools honor Our Blessed Mother in a special way with “May Crownings.” This tradition of the Church dates back to the 16th century and continues to be a joyful celebration among Catholics during the month of May.
Besides the fact that she is the Mother of Christ the King, Mary herself shows us the way to experience the joys of heaven. When Jesus preached about the Kingdom of God, He stressed the importance of humility, and Mary is our example.
A hallmark of Catholicism is love for Jesus’ mother, Mary. Catholics love her, honor her and venerate her image in thanksgiving for her “yes” to God, for her role as the Theotokos (“God-bearer”) and as a powerful intercessor for all of God’s children.
Mary is also our mother, given to us by Jesus as He was dying upon the cross: “When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple there whom He loved, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son.’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home” (Jn 19:26, 27). This tender scene speaks to us of the depth of the love that inspires, informs and transforms all human love – the Love Incarnate who gives us His Mother.
Mary’s obedience and unwavering faith in God also exemplify the perfect Christian disciple. For if we remain close to Our Blessed Mother, she will keep us close to her Son.
Queen of Heaven and perfect follower of Christ - Mary we crown thee with flowers and prayers.
The Christ the King School community celebrated May Crowning with a rosary procession around school.
The Christ the King School community celebrated May Crowning with a rosary procession around school.
In keeping with school tradition, the oldest and youngest Christ the King female students have the honor of placing the crown of flowers on Mary’s head.
In keeping with school tradition, the oldest and youngest Christ the King female students have the honor of placing the crown of flowers on Mary’s head.
A May Crowning at Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville included a ceremony and students presenting flowers to Our Lady.
A May Crowning at Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville included a ceremony and students presenting flowers to Our Lady.
A May Crowning at Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville included a ceremony and students presenting flowers to Our Lady.
A May Crowning at Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville included a ceremony and students presenting flowers to Our Lady.
A May Crowning at Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville included a ceremony and students presenting flowers to Our Lady.
After a beautiful Mass, Our Lady of Assumption school gathered to honor Mary, our Mother, with a tradition as timeless as her love.
After a beautiful Mass, Our Lady of Assumption school gathered to honor Mary, our Mother, with a tradition as timeless as her love.
Amidst fragrant flowers and heartfelt prayers, students crowned her with love, gratitude and devotion. May her guiding light continue to inspire and bless us all.
After Charlotte Catholic High School’s last all-school Mass of the school year, the seniors gathered to celebrate the annual tradition of May Crowning.
After Charlotte Catholic High School’s last all-school Mass of the school year, the seniors gathered to celebrate the annual tradition of May Crowning.
After Charlotte Catholic High School’s last all-school Mass of the school year, the seniors gathered to celebrate the annual tradition of May Crowning.
After Charlotte Catholic High School’s last all-school Mass of the school year, the seniors gathered to celebrate the annual tradition of May Crowning.
The entire St. Patrick Catholic School family - students, teachers, staff, and parents - came together for a special, weekly school Mass.
After Mass, 2nd graders that recently made their First Communion led the procession from the Cathedral to the school's own Marian grotto for the May Crowning.
Father Ernest led the students, and the rest of the St. Patrick Catholic School family, in blessing the crown and placing it atop the school's statue of Mary.
Father Ernest led the students, and the rest of the St. Patrick Catholic School family, in blessing the crown and placing it atop the school's statue of Mary.
Father Ernest led the students, and the rest of the St. Patrick Catholic School family, in blessing the crown and placing it atop the school's statue of Mary.(Copy)
May Crowning at St. Elizabeth Church in Boone.
Crowning of Mary at St. Lucien Church in Spruce Pine.
Irene Shingledecker and Brian Button, who recently received their First Holy Communion at St. Mark Church, had the honor of carrying the crown and placing it on Mary’s head after a procession of children placed flowers at her feet.
Fr. Aaron Huber: “One of the things I find very beautiful is that when we consider the Crowning of Our Lady, we think about the Fifth and Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, which is the crowning of Our Lady, Queen of Heaven and Earth, which is done by God
"We become Christ-like by crowning Mary like we just did. I think it's very important that we recognize the examples set for us by these children today is something that we're supposed to keep alive in our hearts through this experience."
Children place flowers at Mary's feet at St. Mark Church
Crowning Mary at St. Mary Help of Christians Parish in Shelby
