Even though our patron is St. Joseph, it is no secret that Mount Royal Academy has a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Each year begins with our pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of La Salette and all year the students gather weekly to pray the Rosary together. Thus, it is fitting that as the school year draws to a close, the entire school community gathers to take part in the annual May Crowning Mass.
This year’s May Crowning took place last Friday, May 27th in the St. Joseph’s Center. Students from Pre-K through twelfth grade took part in the liturgy presided over by Reverend Father Michael Monette. After Mass, 12 altar servers and Fr. Monette walked in procession with a statue of Our Lady of La Salette while everyone sang hymns to the Blessed Virgin. When the procession returned to the Altar, two first communicants from second grade placed a crown of flowers on Our Lady’s head. Next, each student placed a carnation on the altar at the foot of the statue. The ceremony was brought to a close with a recitation of the Litany of Loreto and the consecration prayer to Jesus through Mary. Blue and white cupcakes were distributed to students afterwards.
This moment of celebration and ceremony is necessary each year for the school to remain anchored in mission. For, as St. Louis de Montfort has said so well, the surest way to Jesus is through His mother, Mary. She will, like all good mothers, make sure that her children are loved and protected until they are safely home.