St. Benedict Church to observe Mother’s Day with May Crowning

While the second Sunday in May is recognized worldwide as a day to remember mothers everywhere, Catholics have yet another reason to celebrate this springtime month.
The Catholic Church has long set aside May as the month to honor Mary, the mother of Jesus.  The Second Council of Nicaea in 787 made it lawful for Catholics to venerate images of Christ, Mary and other saints.  However, even before that, early Christians had adopted the custom of honoring Mary and praying to her for protection, help in their needs and for her intercessory power.
Honoring Mary is not worshipping Mary.  Catholics honor Mary because her complete adherence to God’s will made it possible for Jesus’ redemptive work to be carried out.  Her role in salvation has earned her the reputation as a model of obedience, faith, hope, charity and holiness.
Not only is Mary the biological mother of Jesus, but she is also generally regarded as the theological mother of the Catholic Church.
Prior to his death on the cross, Jesus said to Mary: “Woman, behold, your son.”  Then turning to John, the apostle, he said: “Behold, your mother.” (John 19:26-27)
From that time on, John took Mary to his home and cared for her.  Mary meanwhile remained with the apostles during the birth of the church and throughout its early days, just as she was maternally present during the birth of Jesus.
The Catholic Church promotes the veneration of Mary through official dogmas, designation of special feast days in her honor, bestowment of titles, and encouragement of private as well as public forms of devotion such as the rosary, special litanies, antiphons and Marian prayers.
One other popular form of paying reverence to Mary is the May Crowning, a special liturgical rite during which a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary is crowned with a floral wreath.
In keeping with this tradition, St. Benedict Catholic Church, 632 N. Kickapoo, will conduct a special May Crowning ceremony during the 10 a.m. Mass Sunday.
“Motherhood is a special calling, especially the motherhood of Mary, who gave birth to Jesus, our Savior,” said the Rev. Maurus Jaeb, O.S.B., pastor.  “The May Crowning is a symbolism to remind us May is a special time to honor Mary and all mothers”
Chosen for the coronation of Mary is Becky Drew.  Drew was born and raised in Shawnee.  She was baptized, confirmed and married at St. Benedict Church.  Her parents are Dr. Joe Taron and the late Mary Taron.
“It’s a big honor to be chosen to crown Mary on Mother’s Day,” Drew said.  “Our family has a big devotion to the Blessed Mother and I’m excited to have been chosen for the occasion.”
On Sunday, Drew will walk down the center aisle of the church and place a floral wreath made by one of the parishioners on the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary after communion.
She will be accompanied by her husband, Brian, and her children, Adam, 8; Noah 5; Luke 2 and Rachel 7 months.  The ceremony will take place amid special prayers and hymns dedicated to Mary.