Students and staff crown a statue of the Blessed Mother
By Eileen Jevis, staff writer
Students at Most Holy Rosary School in Syracuse gathered to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary on May 12 at the annual May Crowning ceremony. The May Crowning is a time-honored tradition at Catholic elementary schools in the Diocese. At Most Holy Rosary School, second graders who recently celebrated their First Holy Communion lead the procession, with one classmate chosen to bestow the crown upon Mary. “It is a powerful symbol that reinforces Mary’s significance as our spiritual mother who lovingly cares for and intercedes for us all,” said Principal Sherri Stone.
Father Fred Mannara prayed the Rosary with the students and staff and explained to the children the four mysteries of the Rosary — Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous — that reflect on the events in the life of Jesus and Mary. He also asked the children to pray for Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of the church. “We pray that we will find peace and that people can live with more dignity,” said Fr. Fred. “Through education, you are learning, growing and developing. You all have such talent to give to the world. Let us pray that we can share this gift of love, gentleness and acceptance with one another.”
Stone explained that the students begin their journey of understanding Mary in pre-K, and as they progress, they learn specifically about the Rosary and the profound meaning of praying it. “Our students understand Mary’s most significant role is being the Mother of Jesus, the Son of God,” said Stone. “Her life exemplifies faith, obedience, humility, charity and perseverance — virtues that students are encouraged to cultivate. Honoring her in May is a beautiful way to acknowledge her unique role in the life of Jesus and to seek her maternal love and intercession.”
Stone said the ceremony also serves as a time to acknowledge Mary’s exemplary life of purity, humility and love; encouraging our students to contemplate and integrate these qualities into their own lives. “Through these meaningful practices, Most Holy Rosary School strives not only to educate but also to nurture the spiritual lives of our students, fostering a deeper devotion to Jesus and Mary and grounding them in the rich traditions of their Catholic faith.”
