Crowning the Queen of Heaven: Celebrating Mary, Our Mother and Model

The Month of Mary and the Beauty of May Crowning

Each year, the Church sets aside the month of May to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, who we consider our spiritual mother and an impeccable model of discipleship. This beautiful tradition is rooted deeply in centuries of Catholic devotion and invites us to reflect on Mary’s unique role in salvation history. As spring blooms around us, it is fitting that we turn towards Mary, the one who brought forth Life through Christ.

A beloved devotion during this month is the May Crowning. The Crowning of Mary is a heartfelt and symbolic act that offers the faithful, especially families and children, a chance to publicly honor Mary as the Queen of Heaven and our spiritual Mother. By placing a crown of flowers on her statue, we symbolically affirm what the Church has long proclaimed: Mary’s dignity and her spiritual Queenship in our hearts.

Mary, the Mother of God: Theological Foundation

Why honor Mary in this way? Central to our understanding of Mary is her title as, “Mother of God,” a truth that was declared at the Council of Ephesus in 431 A.D. when the Church affirmed Mary as Theotokos, or “God-bearer.” This is not just a theological term; it is a declaration of Mary’s unique and irreplaceable role in salvation history. 

Because Mary gave her “yes” to God, she became the dwelling place of the Incarnate Word. And in doing so, she did not only become the mother of Jesus, she became a mother to all of us. As St. Bernard of Clairvaux once said, “In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, think of Mary, call upon Mary.” It is important to note that we do not worship Mary but that she offers guidance, comfort, and intercession for and to us all as Mother of Christ and Queen of Heaven.

Why Do We Crown Mary?

May Crowning is more than a sweet Catholic tradition, it is a profound devotional act that expresses theological truths. The crown we offer Mary is a symbol of her spiritual queenship. Just as the Queen Mother in ancient Israel held a special place beside the king (cf. 1 Kings 2:19), so too does Mary reign alongside her Son, the King of Kings. Scripture also gives us a glimpse of this underpinning in the Book of Revelation: “A woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (Rev. 12:1).

The tradition of May Crowning often includes children or families offering up flowers while singing beloved Marian hymns such as: “Bring Flowers of the Rarest/Queen of the May” or “Hail, Holy Queen Enthroned Above”. These visible acts of devotion reflect the inward love and reverence we have for Mary. We are not just crowning a statue; we are acknowledging the beauty of Mary’s role in God’s plan, and inviting her into our hearts and homes.

Mary as a Model of Motherhood

One of the most beautiful aspects of Mary’s queenship is that it does not distance her from us, it brings her closer. Mary is both exalted and approachable; both crowned in glory and intimately close to our joys and sorrows.

Mary’s maternal presence is felt at every pivotal moment in Christ’s life. At the Annunciation, she opened herself to God’s plan. At the Nativity, she gave Him to the world. At Cana, she interceded for the needs of others. And at Calvary, she stood steadfast, offering her own suffering in union with her Son. In all these moments, she reveals to us what it means to love with strength, humility, and faith.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day during the month of May, we are given a natural opportunity to draw connections between Mary’s motherhood and our own experiences of maternal love. Whether we are mothers ourselves, grateful for our mothers, or simply aware of the maternal figures in our lives, turning to Mary deepens our appreciation for the sacredness of motherhood itself. She models for us the patient, nurturing, and sacrificial love that we are called to emulate.

How to Celebrate May Crowning at Home

May Crowning does not need to be confined to the walls of a parish. In fact, bringing this tradition into the home can powerfully reinforce Mary’s presence in daily family life.

Here are a few simple steps to celebrate May Crowning at home:

1.  Choose a Marian statue or image in your home. Clear a small space for her, this will be your prayer corner.

2. Gather fresh flowers or even handmade paper ones. If you have children, let them help make a little crown!

3. Light a candle, play some soft music or a Marian hymn, and take a moment to quiet your heart.

4. Place the crown gently on Mary’s head (or near the image) and offer a short prayer of love and gratitude.

5. Pray a decade of the Rosary, the Hail Holy Queen, or simply speak to Mary from your heart. She hears you.

May Procession at The Association of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, MO

Each year, the May Crowning at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Missouri, draws faithful pilgrims from near and far to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary in a beautiful and reverent ceremony. Nestled amid rolling hills and historic stone buildings, the Shrine becomes a place of vibrant devotion and gentle celebration. Families, schoolchildren, and Marian devotees gather near the grotto or in the serene church courtyard, often with rosaries in hand and hearts filled with prayer. The procession begins, led by a cross bearer followed by First Communicants carrying roses to offer at Mary’s feet. Confirmands carry the petitions of AMM members to present to Our Blessed Mother. The hymn “Bring Flowers of the Rarest” echoes across the grounds as the statue of Mary is crowned with a wreath of fresh blossoms by a member of the May Court, while surrounded by a group of fellow Catholic high school seniors.

The atmosphere is both joyful and contemplative, filled with the scent of springtime and the sound of soft prayers. Visitors often take the opportunity afterward to light Votive Lights, write intentions, or simply sit in quiet reflection before the altar or at the foot of the grotto. The May Crowning is more than just an event—it is a cherished tradition that connects generations, renews Marian devotion, and reminds all who attend of Mary’s maternal care and intercession. At the Shrine in Perryville, this annual celebration continues to be a powerful expression of faith, fellowship, and beauty, rooted deeply in Catholic tradition.

Conclusion

May Crowning invites us to lift our eyes and hearts toward Mary, the Queen of Heaven and our Mother. In honoring her, we grow closer to Christ. In placing a crown of flowers upon her head, we symbolically offer her the love and trust of our hearts. And in returning to her gentle presence, we are reminded that the love of a mother, especially the Mother of God, is a precious gift from heaven itself.