May Crowning ceremonies are a traditional Catholic ritual that honor Mary, the Blessed Mother of Jesus, during the month of May. Around the Archdiocese, students have been honoring Mary with processions, hymns and songs, prayer services and Masses, and by crowning statues of Mary with flower garlands.
Catholics started this tradition in the Middle Ages, dedicating May to celebrations in Mary’s honor. Participants crown a statue of Mary with a garland or crown of flowers in a ceremonial procession.
Here is a look at how schools around the Archdiocese of Newark are honoring the Blessed Mother this month:
Hudson County students celebrate the Blessed Mother
Students at Our Lady of Czestochowa School in Jersey City celebrated a Marian procession across the school grounds. The event featured singing, prayer, and a ceremonial crowning of the statue of the Blessed Virgin. (Our Lady of Czestochowa School)
Students at Saint Dominic Academy in Jersey City processed outside to sing and pray during the ceremonial crowning. (Saint Dominic Academy)
Essex County students honor Blessed Mother with May Crowning ceremonies
May Crowning ceremonies take place across Union County
Bergen County students venerate Blessed Mother
The Academy of Our Lady of Peace in New Providence celebrated May Crowning. (Academy of Our Lady of Peace)