By Joseph Pronechen, National Catholic Register, August 22, 2024
Joseph Pronechen is staff writer with the National Catholic Register since 2005 and before that a regular correspondent for the paper. His articles have appeared in a number of national publications including Columbia magazine, Soul, Faith and Family, Catholic Digest, Catholic Exchange, and Marian Helper. …
‘A great portent appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.’ (Revelation 12:1)
The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrated Aug. 22 perfectly completes the octave of the Assumption. But it was not until 70 years ago that Pope Pius XII officially added this feast to the liturgical calendar, even though Mary’s queenship was hailed from the early years of the Church.
For many years we have prayed “Hail, Holy Queen” after the five decades of the Rosary. We sing the hymn “Hail, Holy Queen Enthroned Above” in church. We petition Mary as “Queen” 13 times in the Litany of Loreto. We pray the Regina Caeli (Queen of Heaven) throughout Eastertide. We specifically recall and honor the Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth as we pray the fifth Glorious Mystery of the Rosary. …