THE QUEENSHIP OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Memorial) White

First Reading: Jgs 6:11-24a; Psalm: 85. R. v. 9b; Gospel: Mt 19:23-30

MARY OUR QUEEN AND MOTHER

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP                   

The Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated exactly seven days after her assumption into heaven. On October 11, 1954, four years after he declared the dogma of the Assumption of Mary into heaven, Pope Pius XII, in an encyclical letter “Ad Caeli Reginam”, decreed and instituted the feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Mary was announced as “full of grace” by the angel Gabriel (Lk 1:28); and was declared “blessed among all women” by the Holy Spirit through the lips of Elizabeth (Lk 1:42). In gratitude to God for this honour, Mary sang the hymn of praise called the “Magnificat.” In this hymn, Mary prophesied that “all generations will call her blessed.” The coronation of Mary as the Queen of Heaven fulfilled this prophecy. As the scripture rightly said, “whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Mt 23:12).

Revelation 12:1-18 revealed that at the end of the world, Mary, crowned with twelve stars will crush the head of the serpent under her feet. In this passage, we see Mary reigning as the Queen of heaven and the proud dragon defeated. About this memorial Pope Paul VI wrote, “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.” We can then imagine how powerful Mary’s intercession would be when we call upon her in prayer.

Our Lady Queen of heaven and earth, pray for us.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Reign in our hearts O Queen and Mother and help us to do God’s will so as to share in the glory of heaven. Amen.