Feast of the day August 22, 2025

Catholics celebrate the Queenship of Mary because her Divine Son is King. Pope Pius XII, having declared the dogma of the Assumption, that “the Immaculate Mother of God … was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory,” then established the feast of her Queenship. He set the date for the octave (8th day) after the Solemnity of the Assumption, that is, August 22 each year.

Pope Pius XII established this feast in 1954. But Mary’s queenship has roots in Scripture. At the Annunciation, Gabriel announced that Mary’s Son would receive the throne of David and rule forever. At the Visitation, Elizabeth calls Mary “mother of my Lord.” As in all the mysteries of Mary’s life, she is closely associated with Jesus: Her queenship is a share in Jesus’ kingship. We can also recall that in the Old Testament, the mother of the king had great influence in court.

In the fourth century, Saint Ephrem called Mary “Lady” and “Queen.” Later Church fathers and doctors continued to use the title. Hymns of the 11th to 13th centuries address Mary as queen: “Hail, Holy Queen,” “Hail, Queen of Heaven,” “Queen of Heaven.” The Dominican rosary and the Franciscan crown, as well as numerous invocations in Mary’s litany, celebrate her queenship.

The feast is a logical follow-up to the Assumption, and is now celebrated on the octave day of that feast. In his 1954 encyclical To the Queen of Heaven, Pius XII points out that Mary deserves the title because she is Mother of God, because she is closely associated as the New Eve with Jesus’ redemptive work, because of her preeminent perfection, and because of her intercessory power.

The Queenship of Mary reminds the faithful of her special place in heaven and her loving care for the Church on earth. As Queen, she intercedes for her children, offers them her motherly help, and leads them closer to Jesus. Her crown is a symbol of her humility, obedience, and total devotion to God.

As we honor Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth, we are called to imitate her virtues, trust in her intercession, and renew our love for Jesus Christ, her Son and our King.

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy,

our life, our sweetness and our hope.

To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve;

To you do we send up our sighs,

mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.

Turn then, most gracious Advocate,

your eyes of mercy toward us;

And after this, our exile,

show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.

O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.

Reflection

Though the liturgical and theological evolution of today’s memorial might seem complex, the heart of it is simple. We not only have a mother in Heaven, but we also have a Queen Mother. As Mary is the Queen Mother of God, we must turn to her with childlike faith and simplicity. As a young child runs to a loving mother in time of need, never questioning her love, protection, and care, so we must run to her. She is our protector, our refuge, our hope, and our sweet delight. Her affection is perfect, and her motherly love is unmatched.

As we honor the Queen of Heaven today, ponder the Church’s ever-deepening understanding of her role. As the Church has increased its comprehension of Mary’s exalted role through the centuries, we must individually make this discovery throughout our lives. Turn to her, seek her prayers, rely upon her intercession, and honor her as your mother and your queen.