The feast of the Queenship of Mary, was instituted by Pope Pius XII in 1954. In reality, the Church has always believed that Our Lady shares in the victory of Christ and reigns with Him in heaven. Her power is not her own, but flows from her unique vocation: she is the Mother of the King of Kings, “the woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (Revelation 12:1). We wish to pay her homage with a journey through the artistic masterpieces that throughout the centuries have celebrated her as Queen of Heaven and Earth.
Giotto’s Coronation panel introduces us into the mystery of her heavenly crown. The radiant visions of Fra Angelico show her surrounded by angels in glory. The splendid works of Filippo Lippi present her as the merciful Queen interceding for her people. Finally, the golden mosaics of the Roman Basilica of Saint Mary Major shine with the same timeless truth: the Virgin is enthroned and intercedes for us before her Son.
Through these treasures of faith and beauty, our hearts are moved to say a devoted Hail Mary, certain that here on earth we are always accompanied by our heavenly Mother who is also a Queen.