On this page, we are sharing reflections from east London Christians on the fifth glorious Mystery of the Rosary, the Crowning of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.
Click here for an introduction to the People's Rosary Project, and links to earlier meditations.
The Crowning of Mary
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Beware, the devil is about to throw some of you in prison so you may be afflicted, and for ten days you will have affliction. Be faithful until death, and I will give you a crown of life.
Revelation 2.10
A great portent appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pangs, in the agony of giving birth.
Revelation 12.1,2
The month of May is all about reflecting on the journey of Mary with her Son Jesus
As Nkem explains, this mystery is the culmination of the journey of faithfulness and of suffering which Mary has walked since the Annunciation.
In the month of May, Catholic Christians meditate on this journey and learn from Mary how to follow her Son and Saviour with greater faithfulness.
I often pray this mystery for those who are going through difficult times, for their fidelity
Sr Josephine reflects on the Scriptural roots of this mystery, and how the crowning of Mary contains a promise for all who are faithful in the midst of great suffering.
Mary is Queen because she is uniquely conformed to her Son, both on the earthly journey and in heavenly glory…
There is a worldly or common idea of a king or queen: a person with great power and wealth. But this is not the kind of royalty of Jesus and Mary…
On the Cross, at that moment, Jesus is shown to be King; and how is he King? By suffering with us and for us, by loving to the end, and in this way governing and creating truth, love and justice…
The same is true of Mary. She is Queen in her service to God for humanity, she is a Queen of love who lives the gift of herself to God so as to enter into the plan of man’s salvation…
The rhythm of the ancient invocations and daily prayers [to Mary], such as the Salve Regina, help us to understand that the Blessed Virgin, as our Mother beside her Son Jesus in the glory of heaven, is always with us in the daily events of our life.
The title “Queen” is thus a title of trust, joy and love.
Benedict XVI, General Audience, 22 August 2012
You are invited to pray the Rosary now.
Hail Mary, full of grace, blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus who crowned thee, O Virgin, in heaven.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
If you have not prayed the Rosary before, you can read our introductory page here.
Ukranian Hymn to the Mother of God
The People's Rosary is a project of the Centre for Theology and Community and De Mazenod Retreat House in east London.
We are grateful for the support of the Lady Peel Trust and MB Reckitt Trust in developing this project.
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