21/08/2026
MEMORIAL OF THE QUEENSHIP OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY ๐๐น
Today, August 22, the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, observed eight days after the Solemnity of the Assumption. This celebration invites us to contemplate Mary not simply as the Mother of Jesus, but also as the Queen who faithfully shares in the glory of her Son. The memorial was instituted by Pope Pius XII in 1954 through the encyclical Ad Caeli Reginam, reminding the faithful that Maryโs queenship is not a symbol of worldly power or authority, but of humble service, faith, and complete surrender to God.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that Mary, having been assumed body and soul into heavenly glory, was exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death (CCC 966). Her queenship is therefore inseparable from Christ. Mary does not take the place of Jesus, nor does she compete with His unique role as Savior. Instead, her entire life points toward Him. She is Queen because she first became a humble servant, giving her complete โyesโ to God's will at the Annunciation: โBehold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your wordโ (Luke 1:38). The Church recognizes this as an extraordinary example of the obedience of faith (CCC 494).
Maryโs greatness is found precisely in her humility. She welcomed Godโs plan even when she could not fully understand what lay ahead. Through her faithful cooperation with Godโs saving plan, she became the Mother of Christ and, in the order of grace, our spiritual mother (**CCC 968**). Even now, in heaven, her maternal care continues as she intercedes for the Church and for all her children (**CCC 969**). Her intercession does not diminish the unique mediation of Christ; rather, it manifests the power and abundance of His grace.
Therefore, the crown of Mary is also an invitation to us. It reminds us that true greatness is not measured by position, recognition, or power, but by our willingness to serve God and others. Mary teaches us that holiness begins with a sincere โyesโ to Godโa willingness to trust Him, even when His plans are difficult to understand. As we honor her as Queen, may we also imitate her humility, obedience, purity of heart, and unwavering faith. May Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, lead us always closer to her Son, Jesus Christ, the true King and Lord of all.
