One of my first "Catholic" memories has always been the May Crowning. The songs are still—and always—in my head.Hail, holy Queen enthroned above, oh Maria.
Hail, mother of mercy and of love, oh Maria.
Triumph all ye cherubim, Sing with us ye seraphim.
Heaven and earth resound the hymn.
Salve, Salve, Salve Regina.
One of the defining aspects of being Catholic is devotion to Mary. The Marian celebration recognizes Mary as queen of heaven and earth. To a person of any age, this is a mighty big title, but to a child, it expands to enchanting, magical proportions. How many queens does one get a chance to meet in a lifetime, much less crown?May Crowning marked a new spiritual season. Our Mary, queen of heaven and earth, lifted us right out of the last long, cold days of winter and firmly planted our hearts in the warm and promising soil of spring.
