Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Feast Day: August 22

“A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” – Revelation 12:1

The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on August 22, honors Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth. This feast reminds the faithful of Mary’s unique role in the divine plan of salvation and her place of honor as the Mother of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings. Her queenship is a reflection of her motherhood and her perfect cooperation with God’s will.

Mary Crowned in Heaven

The title Queen of Heaven and Earth has been part of Christian devotion since the earliest centuries of the Church. As the Mother of Jesus, who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Mary rightfully shares in His royal dignity. Her queenship is one of motherly love, mercy, and powerful intercession for the Church and for all her children.

The feast of the Queenship of Mary was established by Pope Pius XII in 1954, following his encyclical Ad Caeli Reginam (To the Queen of Heaven), which affirmed the ancient and universal belief in Mary’s queenship. The feast is celebrated exactly one week after the Solemnity of the Assumption, highlighting the connection between Mary’s being assumed into heaven and her being crowned by her Son as Queen.

A Mother and Queen for All People

Mary’s queenship is not a symbol of distance or superiority but of closeness and care. As Queen, she is a mother to all, guiding her children to Christ, praying for them, and offering her loving protection. Her titles — Queen of Angels, Queen of Saints, Queen of Peace, Queen of the Holy Rosary — express her role in heaven and her deep care for the world.

Mary reigns in humility and service, always pointing souls to her Son and calling them to follow Him faithfully.

Rooted in Scripture and Tradition

The role of Mary as Queen is deeply rooted in both Scripture and Tradition. In the Old Testament, the mother of the king, known as the queen mother, held a place of great honor and influence (cf. 1 Kings 2:19). The Church sees Mary as the queen mother of the Kingdom of God.

In the Book of Revelation, Mary is seen symbolically as the woman “clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (Revelation 12:1), a sign of her glory and her role in the victory of Christ over sin and death.

A Celebration of Hope and Glory

The Queenship of Mary reminds the faithful of her special place in heaven and her loving care for the Church on earth. As Queen, she intercedes for her children, offers them her motherly help, and leads them closer to Jesus. Her crown is a symbol of her humility, obedience, and total devotion to God.

As we honor Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth, we are called to imitate her virtues, trust in her intercession, and renew our love for Jesus Christ, her Son and our King.

Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, pray for us!