This Friday, May 2, the Crowning of Mary will take place in Hayes Plaza. Two senior students from Jesuit High School will crown the statue of Mary after mass. The students who crown Mary have assigned Eucharistic ministers every week.
“Crowning Mary was a very special moment for me especially since she is someone I have looked up to since I was little. Being asked to crown Mary was a huge honor because I was able to be a part of her crowning after mass.” Said Paige Pierce
The May Crowning has been celebrated at Jesuit High School since 1998, when Jesuit bought the Mary statue.
The Crowning of Mary is one of the oldest traditions in the Catholic Church, and has been an important event since day one. This event happens all over the world and is very widespread.
As the mother of Jesus, Mary has served as a model of faith and a Mother of the Church. She has shown up throughout schools, churches, and hospitals showing her love for everyone.
“We speak about this event at Jesuit High School to show the role Mary played and how she influenced many students and their Catholic faith.” Said Don Clarke
Every year at Jesuit, someone is nominated to speak about the Crowning of Mary. This year Mrs. Ruchaber will be taking on this role and talking to the students, faculty, and staff during the crowning.
“It was very special to reflect on Mary and how she is a mother and gives inspiration, faith, and hope to become the best mother I can be.” Said Mrs. Ruchaber
Madonna Della Strada means “Mary of the Road” which symbolizes a painting of Mary, in a small chapel in Rome. St. Ignatius viewed this photo in a good way, as the patron saint of Jesuit High School.
On the statue of Mary, there is a flower crown and four green flags that are placed behind her that represent the four spots of St. Ignatius and Mary. These include Our Lady of Olatz, Rome, Montserrat, and Aranzazu.
There are two specific months dedicated to Mary, May and October as well as Saturday’s, that are also set aside for remembrance of Mary.
The crowning of Mary service is open to the whole Jesuit community and invites everyone to join.
