What is May Crowning a representation of in the Catholic faith? Or how do you perceive it?
“Well she listened to God's plan, and so by crowning her we are giving recognition to her role in Salvation history and her operation. Because, if you think about it, we could still be waiting for Salvation so we are honoring her with May Crowning and remembering her saying yes and her full cooperation.”
How does May Crowning influence the Catholic youth?
Our May Crowning is celebrated by younger Catholics and it shows that Mary herself was only a couple years older than all of you and that if she can say yes and if she can follow God's plan it gives hope and an example to young people that God really is walking with you and will help you through all the hurdles in your life.”
How does May Crowning help to uphold the permanence of Mary in our lives?
“Because we're honoring her, it shows she is significant and it shows that we could always turn to her. If you focus on her she will always, always, always lead you closer to Jesus. It's like peanut butter and jelly -- don't say that -- but they just compliment each other and they go together. So by focusing on Mary you will naturally draw closer to Jesus.
How does the May Crowning ceremony at Mary of Nazareth differ from others you've witnessed or attended?
“Well, Mary is our patroness. I mean it’s a big deal, it's huge. Many other schools will have the student body come together but they're in uniforms. It might be a short prayer service, but ours is very special for our 8th grade. We dress up, it's something that you all look forward to your entire school career. I mean it is truly a huge celebration, it just shows her prominence in our school because she's our patroness. When we first started, or when I first came up here, it was the sisters that started it. It was their devotion. And we're still a big deal with the flowers and clothing and we have so many volunteers that help out with it.”
Besides the physical actions of actually crowning Mary, what is the role of the crowner on a spiritual level?
“Just like we had people write the importance of Mary in their life and why it was important for them or why they wanted to be considered as crowner, it makes you think about what Mary's done in your life. It's the way that the crowner can thank Mary and show the importance of Mary in her life -- and for the crown bearer, his life.
Have you ever had the opportunity to crown Mary?
“I did not. I did not but I always had a very strong devotion to Mary, and ever since my Consecration I really relied heavily on her to carry me through the ups and downs of that whole process.”
How have the events of the May Crowning Ceremony evolved as you’ve gotten older?
“We made it less formal for the 8th grade students but still a nice occasion for the focus of Saint Mary.”
How does May Crowning help to develop the minds of the newly confirmed or soon-to-be confirmed?
“When you focus on, or when the focus is on Mary, you acknowledge that she will always lead you closer to Jesus -- because that was who she was. She was the Christ bearer and so honoring her in this way will naturally help as you're growing in your faith. In confirmation it will complement it, and you see again that they go hand-in-hand. One, Mary who will always help you, and then you have the power of the Holy Spirit helping you.”
Interviewer and transcriber - Georgia Koutsos, 8th grade