The Memorial of the Queenship of Mary

The meaning of the celebration

+ The celebration of the “Queenship of Mary” was created by Pope Pius XII in 1954.

+ This memorial provides us with an opportunity to continue our celebration of the Assumption of Mary (celebrated on August 15) and to honor the special place that Mary has within the communion of saints.

+ The Memorial of the Queenship of Mary is a wonderful day to pray the Glorious Mysteries of the rosary, uniting our personal prayer with the prayer of the Church.

For prayer and reflection

“The Solemnity of the Assumption is prolonged in the celebration of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which occurs seven days later. On this occasion we contemplate her who, seated beside the King of ages, shines forth as Queen and intercedes as Mother.”—Pope Saint Paul VI in Marialis Cultus

Spiritual bonus

On August 22 we also remember Blessed Bernard Perani. An Italian Capuchin lay brother, he served his community as a cook and was remembered for his charity to the poor, his devotional writings, spiritual insights, and many miraculous gifts. Blessed Bernard died in 1694 and was beatified in 1795.

Vocations

Benedictine Sisters of Queen of Heaven Monastery (Byzantine Rite, Warren, OH): http://shmlisle.org/byzantine.html

Benedictine Sisters of Queen of Angels Monastery (Mount Angel, OR): www.benedictine-srs.org

Benedictine Sisters of Mary, Queen of Apostles (Gower, MO): http://benedictinesofmary.org/

Carmelite Nuns of the Carmel of the Queen of Heaven (Eldridge, IA): www.carmelitesofeldridge.org

Daughters of Our Mother of Peace, Queen of Heaven Solitude: www.marythefont.org

Pallotine Missionary Sisters (Queen of Apostles Province): http://pallotinesac.org

Prayer

O God, who made the Mother of your Son
to be our Mother and our Queen,
graciously grant that, sustained by her intercession,
we may attain in the heavenly Kingdom
the glory promised to your children.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal)

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.