The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Memorial
Liturgical Cycle: A, B, C | Lectionary Cycle: I, II
Introduction
“From this day on, all generations will call me blessed,” sings Mary. What does it mean to call Mary, the humble virgin, blessed? It means nothing else than to be filled with admiration and to adore the marvel which God worked in her, to read from her that God looks to the humble one and lifts her up, that God’s coming into this world does not seek the heights but the depths, that God’s glory consists in making great what is small. To call Mary blessed means, together with her, to ponder admiringly the ways of God, who lets his Spirit blow where he wants, to obey him, and with Mary humbly to say: “As you have spoken, so be it.” (Bonhoeffer)
Opening Prayer
Lord our God,
the unpretentious mother of your Son
wanted to be nothing more
than your humble servant.
Allow us to honor her as our model and queen
of sincere, deep faith
and unassuming faithful service
of your plans with your Son and the world.
May her prayers imbue us with her spirit.
We ask this through her Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
First Reading
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. A light has dawned on those who live in the land of the shadow of death.
You have enlarged the nation; you have increased their joy. They rejoice before you, as people rejoice at harvest time as they rejoice in dividing the spoil.
For the yoke of their burden, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressors, you have broken it as on the day of Midian.
Every warrior’s boot that tramped in war,
For a child is born to us, a son is given us; the royal ornament is laid upon his shoulder, and his name is proclaimed: “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
To the increase of his powerful rule in peace, there will be no end. Vast will be his dominion, he will reign on David’s throne and over all his kingdom, to establish and uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time onward and forever. The zealous love of the Lord Sabaoth will do this.
Responsorial Psalm
R. (2) Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Praise, you servants of the LORD,
praise the name of the LORD.
Blessed be the name of the LORD
both now and forever.
R. Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
From the rising to the setting of the sun
is the name of the LORD to be praised.
High above all nations is the LORD;
above the heavens is his glory.
R. Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Who is like the LORD, our God, who is enthroned on high
and looks upon the heavens and the earth below?
R. Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He raises up the lowly from the dust;
from the dunghill he lifts up the poor
To seat them with princes,
with the princes of his own people.
R. Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Alleluia Verse
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;
blessed are you among women.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth. He was sent
to a virgin who was betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the family of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
The angel came to her and said:
“Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you!”
Mary was confused by these words, wondering what this greeting could mean.
But the angel said:
“Do not fear, Mary, for God has looked kindly on you.
You will conceive and give birth to a son; and you shall call him Jesus.
He will be great, and he will rightly be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of David, his ancestor; he will rule over the people of Jacob forever;
and his reign will have no end.”
Then Mary asked the angel:
“How can this be since I am a virgin?”
And the angel said to her:
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the holy child to be born of you will be called Son of God.
Even your relative, Elizabeth, is expecting a son in her old age, though she was unable to have children, and she is now in her sixth month.
With God, nothing is impossible.”
Then Mary said:
“I am the handmaid of the Lord; may it be done to me as you have said.”
And the angel left her.
Prayers of the Faithful
Celebrant: Trusting in God’s mercy, and inspired by Mary’s humble and faithful discipleship, let us present our prayers to our heavenly Father.
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.
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For the Church, that, following Mary’s example, she may proclaim the greatness of the Lord and serve all people with humility and love. Let us pray to the Lord.
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For Pope Leo, bishops, priests, deacons, and all who serve God’s people, that Mary, Queen of Apostles, may inspire them to lead with wisdom, courage, and compassion. Let us pray to the Lord.
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For leaders of nations, that they may reject violence and injustice and work faithfully for peace, human dignity, and the common good. Let us pray to the Lord.
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For women and mothers throughout the world, especially those experiencing poverty, discrimination, violence, or loneliness, that they may receive protection, respect, and support. Let us pray to the Lord.
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For the sick, the grieving, the displaced, and all who feel abandoned, that Mary, Queen of Peace, may accompany them and lead them to the consolation of Christ. Let us pray to the Lord.
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For our parish community, that we may imitate Mary’s obedience, generosity, and trust in God, bringing Christ’s love to everyone we encounter. Let us pray to the Lord.
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For those who have died, that they may be welcomed into the eternal Kingdom and share in the joy of heaven with Mary and all the saints. Let us pray to the Lord.
Celebrant: Almighty and eternal God, you crowned the Blessed Virgin Mary as Queen of heaven and earth. Through her example and intercession, strengthen our faith and lead us to the fullness of your Kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer over the Gifts
Lord our God,
in all simplicity, we place before you
these signs of bread and wine.
May we learn from your Son and his mother
to accept any task you assign to us
and to say wholeheartedly
”Be it done to me as you say.”
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Prayer after Communion
Lord our God,
with Mary we rejoice today
that you did great things in her and for her.
May our generation praise her and you
by living for your Son
and for our neighbor far and near
with a spirit of service and dedication
and with great and trusting faith.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
REFLECTION
Mary’s queenship is not about power or privilege, but humble service. She reigns because she listened to God, welcomed Christ, and remained faithful even at the Cross. Her crown is the reward of love and obedience.
This memorial invites us to follow Mary’s example by allowing Christ to reign in our hearts. When we serve others, seek peace, and trust God in difficulty, we help build his Kingdom. Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray for us.