May Crowning: Why we Honor Our Lady, Celebrate Our Faith

A beautiful tradition, a powerful witness, and a joyful invitation to crown Mary and draw closer to Jesus Christ

The May Crowning Is Here!

Why do Catholics crown the Blessed Virgin Mary? We crown Our Lady as a way of honoring who she is in God’s plan: the Mother of Jesus, a model disciple, and our mother, too. She is the Queen of Heaven and Earth. This beloved tradition draws us into deeper love, reverence, and relationship with Jesus Christ through His mother.

When Is This Happening?

Join us for a beautiful afternoon of prayer, procession, and celebration:

Sunday, May 3, 2026

For Religious Education families:

12:30 p.m. – At the Church (10701 Olcott Ave.): We begin by crowning a small statue of Our Lady of Fatima, followed by a litany, prayers, and a consecration to Our Lady.

For all:

1:00 p.m. – East Side of the Church: Take part in the crowning of “The Great Lady” in a joyful outdoor celebration.

Following the Crowning – Rosary Procession: We will continue together in a rosary procession along the Shrine trail, leading to the crowning of the Our Lady of the New Millennium statue at the Shrine of Christ’s Passion. This striking stainless steel statue stands 34 feet tall and is one of the most impactful Marian images in the region.

After the Procession – Fellowship: The day concludes with food and fellowship at the Shrine.

What Is a May Crowning?

In Catholic parishes, May is dedicated to Mary and to mothers. A May Crowning is a simple yet deeply meaningful ceremony in which a crown of flowers is placed on a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary who is Queen of Heaven and Earth.

This act, which is a way to honor Mary as our spiritual mother, is a sign of love and devotion. It also serves as a reminder of her humility and holiness.

Why a Crown?

The crown symbolizes Mary’s special role as the Queen of Heaven and Earth. This understanding comes from both Scripture and tradition. In the kingdom of King David, the highest honor was given not to the king’s wife, but to his mother, known as the queen mother. Because Christ is King, we recognize Mary, His mother, as sharing in that royal dignity.

The Book of Revelation offers a powerful image: “A woman clothed with the sun…with a crown of twelve stars” (Revelation 12:1). This reflects Mary in her heavenly glory.

What Does It Really Mean?

Crowning Mary is not worship—that belongs to God alone! Instead, Catholics venerate her because she always leads us closer to her Son.

It is a joyful, family-like gesture. Just as a beloved queen is crowned in celebration, we crown Mary to say:We love you.We honor you.We want to follow your example.

Join Us for This Beautiful Celebration

Come experience the beauty, tradition, and community of the May Crowning. Whether you’ve participated for years or this is your first time, there is a place for you.

Pray with us. Walk with us. Celebrate with us.