May is the month of Mary! Watch as schoolchildren at Saint Mary School in Charlotte, Michigan, perform a May Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

“We are extremely lucky at Saint Mary that Mary, our mother, is our patron and this is an awesome celebration or the kids at St. Mary’s School,” said Principal Mandy Wildern, May 2.

“Mary wholeheartedly, with everything she had, trusted God and I want these kids to understand that no matter where they are in life or what they are doing, God is right next to them, always, they can always trust, and they can always say ‘yes’ to his calling.”

A heightened love for the Blessed Virgin Mary during the month of May is a venerable and pious Christian custom. It is a month that particularly celebrates Mary as the greatest earthly role model of Christian discipleship and the most powerful heavenly intercessor with her Divine Son.

To begin this special Marian month, many parishes and schools host a May Crowning in which a statue of the Virgin Mary is adorned with a floral crown, and other objects, to honor her as the “Queen of May.”

This Marian coronation can take place during the course of Holy Mass or during a special prayer service. To be chosen to perform the crowning is generally regarded as a special honor. At Saint Mary School the oldest girl enrolled at the school is paired with the youngest to place the flower crown. Enjoy the film! Ave Maria!