Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated eight days after the Solemnity of the Assumption.

The feast was established by Pope Pius XII in 1954, but the Church’s recognition of Mary as Queen has much deeper roots in Christian tradition and Sacred Scripture.

At the Annunciation, the Angel Gabriel tells Mary that her Son will receive “the throne of his ancestor David” and that “of his kingdom there will be no end.” At the Visitation, Elizabeth greets Mary as “the mother of my Lord.” Mary’s queenship, therefore, can never be separated from Christ: she is Queen because her Son is King.

From the earliest centuries, Christians honoured Mary with this title. Saint Ephrem referred to her as “Lady” and “Queen” in the fourth century, while generations of Christians have continued this devotion through prayers and hymns including the Salve Regina – “Hail, Holy Queen” – and the Regina Caeli – “Queen of Heaven.”

The celebration is closely connected with the Assumption. Having been assumed body and soul into heavenly glory, Mary shares in the victory and glory of her Son and continues her maternal intercession for the Church.

In establishing the feast, Pope Pius XII reflected upon Mary’s unique place in God’s plan of salvation: as Mother of God, as the woman intimately united with Christ in his saving work, and as a mother who continues to intercede for her children.

Mary’s queenship is not one of worldly power or privilege, but of humble service, love and complete faithfulness to God. She always points beyond herself towards her Son and invites us to do the same.

🙏 Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray for us.