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.
— Photos by Troy C. Hull, Amy Burger, Paul Doize, Jay Siltzer and provided
Students gathered outside Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Charlotte May 1 to crown a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The ceremony – a popular devotion during the month of May – honors Mary as the Mother of God and Queen of Heaven.
. The May crowning was led by Father José Enrique González Gaytán, pastor, with eighth-grader Christina Nguyen chosen to crown the statue. Nguyen has been a member of the OLA faith community since prekindergarten.
The Christ the King High School community gathered in faith and unity for a beautiful May Crowning procession and all-school Mass in honor of Our Blessed Mother, Mary.
The Christ the King High School community gathered in faith and unity for a beautiful May Crowning procession and all-school Mass in honor of Our Blessed Mother, Mary.
Together, students and staff prayed the Rosary and processed around campus, lifting their hearts in prayer and love.
Together, students and staff prayed the Rosary and processed around campus, lifting their hearts in prayer and love.
The children of St. Patrick Cathedral received their First Holy Communion and then they were honored to crown Our Lady not only as Queen of the Parish.
The children of St. Patrick Cathedral received their First Holy Communion and then they were honored to crown Our Lady not only as Queen of the Parish.
The children of St. Patrick Cathedral received their First Holy Communion and then they were honored to crown Our Lady not only as Queen of the Parish.
Mary was crowned during Mass on May 4 at Holy Cross Church in Kernersville.
Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point honored our Holy Mother, Mary, with our May Crowning on May 7.
Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point honored our Holy Mother, Mary, with our May Crowning on May 7.
The crowning was led by the second-grader students that celebrated their first Holy Communion the prior weekend.
The crowning was led by the second-grader students that celebrated their first Holy Communion the prior weekend.
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.
This is a special month in the Catholic Church to honor Mary as Queen of Heaven and Mother of Jesus.
St. Patrick students were joined by their families during school Mass May 7 to celebrate Mary.
Second grade First Communicants lead processions during Mass and then afterwards to crown The Blessed Virgin Mary statue in our Marian Grotto.
Second grade First Communicants lead processions during Mass and then afterwards to crown The Blessed Virgin Mary statue in our Marian Grotto.
Second grade First Communicants lead processions during Mass and then afterwards to crown The Blessed Virgin Mary statue in our Marian Grotto.
St. Leo School holds annual crowning of Mary after its school Mass.
St. Leo School holds annual crowning of Mary after its school Mass.
May Crowning held at St. Elizabeth Church in Boone.
Grace Ayers and Tommy Kashner, the two oldest St. Mark preschoolers, had the honor of placing a floral crown upon Our Lady’s head in our Mary Garden.
Father John Putnam lead all of the children and parents in prayer.
Father John Putnam lead all of the children and parents in prayer.
Father John Putnam lead all of the children and parents in prayer.
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.
