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On August 15, we celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On August 22, we celebrate Mary’s Queenship. On this feast, as on many Marian feasts, we hear the Gospel of the Annunciation (Luke 1:26–38). With a birthday of March 25, I have always felt a special connection to the Annunciation and strive to mimic Mary’s yes in my own life. While visiting the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth in 2019, I was struck by the realization that it was in this place where the Word became flesh!
As the coordinator of the Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) in my parish, I help explain Marian teachings and related prayer practices to our candidates. Many participants have the common misconception that Catholics worship Mary. I have seen tight and defensive shoulders ease and drop when I explain that we honor Mary for her special role in Jesus’ life but that only God is worthy of our worship. I’ve seen smiles and nods of new understanding when I explain why we bow at the words “and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man” when we pray the Nicene Creed. What many had previously thought was a bow to honor Mary during her only mention in the Creed is now recognized as a sign of reverence to the Son of God become incarnate in Jesus.
While we put Mary in her proper place in relation to God, she still holds a place of great honor! May she become and remain the queen of our hearts and always lead us to Jesus!
Image credit: Jean Michel MAZEROLLE/CIRIC
