May is, for the Church, the month dedicated in a special way to the Blessed Virgin Mary. During these weeks, parish communities, families, movements, and educational centers intensify their expressions of filial love toward the Mother of God through the praying of the Rosary, floral offerings, cultural events, reflection activities, and liturgical celebrations. Among all these expressions, one of the most meaningful and cherished is the crowning of the Virgin Mary, a tradition deeply rooted in Catholic spirituality and especially dear to the Venezuelan people.
In 1952, Pope Pius XII addressed the Venezuelan people with words that continue to resonate strongly throughout our history of faith:
«If it has always been a highly attractive and moving spectacle to see a mother surrounded by the love and devotion of her children, how much more so when, as in the present circumstances, an entire great nation, not content with having placed itself ten years ago under the powerful patronage of its Mother in Heaven, now longs to express its profound piety and genuine submission by placing a precious crown upon her brow and acclaiming her as its Queen and natural Lady? For this people has understood what the Blessed Virgin signifies in the history of nations!»
Marian devotion constitutes one of the fundamental pillars of our people’s faith. From the veneration of Our Lady of Coromoto, Patroness of Venezuela, to the numerous Marian titles present in every region of the country, Mary has accompanied the history, hopes, and sufferings of generations of Venezuelans. She is recognized as a loving Mother, faithful intercessor, and model of Christian life.
The practice of crowning the Virgin expresses precisely this recognition. By placing a crown upon her image, the Church proclaims Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth, while also expressing the desire to imitate her virtues: her faith, humility, obedience, service, and unconditional love for God. It is not merely a symbolic gesture, but an invitation for every believer to make his or her life a generous response to the Lord, following the example of the Mother of Jesus.
This beautiful tradition holds a privileged place in the schools of the Capuchin Tertiary Sisters of the Holy Family. Every year, during the days leading up to May 31, our educational communities joyfully celebrate the crowning of Mary as the culmination of all the Marian activities carried out throughout the month. It is an eagerly anticipated moment for students, teachers, families, and administrative staff, who come together to pay tribute to the Virgin.
It is particularly moving to witness the participation of the entire educational community: from the youngest preschool children to the students in the final years of secondary education; or, in the case of Saint Anthony School, from the first grades through the final year of primary school. Each person contributes creativity, enthusiasm, and affection to make this celebration a true festival of faith.
According to the reality and pastoral project of each educational center, the crowning ceremony takes on its own distinctive characteristics. In some years, special emphasis is placed on Mary’s virtues, encouraging students to live with simplicity, availability, tenderness, and a spirit of service. On other occasions, the various Marian titles present throughout Venezuela are highlighted, helping children and young people discover the richness of our religious and cultural tradition. Usually, the crowned image is that of the Immaculate Virgin, present in all our educational works; however, this may vary if so arranged.
The importance of this celebration goes beyond a ceremonial act. The crowning of Mary promotes fundamental values such as respect, unity, faith, and religious identity. Moreover, it strengthens the sense of belonging to the educational community and helps students discover that Christian life is also built through simple signs that nourish the heart and inspire hope.
Traditionally, at Santa Teresa of the Child Jesus School, Mary Immaculate School, and Holy Family School, the students responsible for crowning the Virgin are those in the final year of secondary education. At Saint Anthony School, this honor belongs to the sixth-grade students who, as they prepare to graduate from the institution, offer this special tribute as part of their final cultural and religious celebration as students. At Saint Raphael Children’s Home and in Saint Francis of Guayo, the dynamics are different; nevertheless, creativity remains present in choosing those who will crown the Mother of God.
By crowning Mary, we acknowledge that she continues to walk beside us, accompanying our educational processes, our families, and our dreams. In every work of the Congregation in Venezuela, this tradition continues to be a privileged opportunity to renew our love for the Mother of God and to learn, through her guidance, to follow Jesus Christ more closely.
May Mary, Mother and Queen, continue to inspire our educational communities so that they may be places where faith, fraternity, and hope flourish.
Sister Iria Natalia Agreda Abreu, TC.
