Marian Procession and May Crowning to be held at Notre Dame

Author: Meg Mirshak

Main Building
Main Building

A traditional Catholic devotion that honors Mary, the mother of Jesus, will be held on the University of Notre Dame campus on May 6 (Sunday). The Marian Procession and May Crowning features prayer, song, Scripture and a crowning of a statue of Our Lady. The event is sponsored by the McGrath Institute for Church Life.

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 Main Building before arriving at Geddes Hall, where Mary will be crowned with flowers. An outdoor reception will follow. Families are encouraged to attend.

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.

“The May Crowning is a reverent devotion to the Mother of God, whose mercy and grace Pope Francis has so frequently recommended to the faithful as a source of challenge, inspiration and consolation,” said John Cavadini, McGrath-Cavadini Director of the McGrath Institute for Church Life. “Crowning Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth affirms the dedication of Our Lady’s University to its Marian charism of making room for Christ, wherever He may be found.”

In the event of inclement weather, the May Crowning will be held in a rain location near 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.

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.

Contact: Brett Robinson, director of communications, McGrath Institute for Church Life, 574-631-6109, brobins6@nd.edu

Originally published by Meg Mirshak at icl.nd.edu on April 26.