A traditional Catholic devotion that honors Mary, the mother of Jesus, will be held on the Notre Dame campus on Sunday, May 7. The Marian Procession and May Crowning features prayer, song, Scripture and a crowning of a Marian statue.
The Marian procession begins at 1 p.m. at the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto behind the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The procession will pass by the Basilica and Main Building before arriving at the Our Lady of Mercy Chapel in Geddes Hall where Mary will be crowned with flowers. A reception will follow on the third floor of Geddes Hall which houses the McGrath Institute for Church Life, sponsor of the event. Families are encouraged to attend.
"By honoring Mary the Mother of God, we are invited to contemplate the grace extended to Mary in the Incarnation and the deepest meaning it has in our lives,” said John Cavadini, McGrath-Cavadini Director of the McGrath Institute for Church Life. “It is fitting that we look to Mary, especially at the University dedicated to her name, as a model for trusting in God’s will and ask her to bring us closer to His love and mercy.”
The May Crowning was revived at Notre Dame in 2016. Rare video footage of a Marian procession from the 1950s was uncovered in the University archives, and can be viewed at maycrowning.nd.edu.
In the event of inclement weather, the May Crowning will be held in Geddes Hall. Individuals planning to attend are encouraged to sign up for updates regarding the weather and other event details.
To sign up and for more information, visit maycrowning.nd.edu.
Contact: Brett Robinson, director of communications, McGrath Institute for Church Life, 574-631-6109, brobins6@nd.edu
The McGrath Institute for Church Life at Notre Dame partners with Catholic dioceses, parishes and schools to address pastoral challenges with theological depth and rigor. By connecting the Catholic intellectual life at Notre Dame to the life of the Church, the McGrath Institute for Church Life forms faithful Catholic leaders for service to the Church and the world. Visit icl.nd.edu.