Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Image Courtesy: Archbishop Jose Gomez
Pope Pius XII established today’s Feast in 1954 however Mary, the Mother of God Queenship has roots in scripture: Gabriel announced that Mary’s Son would receive the throne of David and rule forever —Luke 1:26-33 At the ‘visitation’ Elizabeth calls Mary the ‘Mother of the Lord’ —Luke 1:41-43
As in all the mysteries of Mary’s life, Mary is closely associated with Jesus. Her Queenship is a share in Jesus’ Kingship. One can also recall in the Old Testament, the mother of the King has great influence in the Court.
During the 4th century Saint Ephrem (Feast Day: 09 June) called Mary “Lady” and “Queen” — Later Church Fathers and Doctors continued to use the title; Hymns of the 11th and 13th centuries address Mary as Queen: “Hail Holy Queen” & “Hail Queen of Heaven” — The Dominican Rosary together with the Franciscan Crown, as well as numerous invocations in Mary’s litany celebrate her Queenship.
The ‘Feast of the Queenship of Mary’ is a logical follow-up to the Assumption and is now celebrated on the octave day of that feast.
In his 1954 Encyclical ‘Proclaiming the Queen of Heaven’ Pope Pius XII points out that Mary deserves the title because she is ‘Mother of God’ because she is closely associated as the New Eve with Jesus’ redemptive work, because of her preeminent perfection and because of her intercessory power.
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Related: For Today’s Most Holy Scripture Readings on the Memorial of the Queenship of Mary, Visit: USCCB