The fifth glorious mystery, the Coronation of Mary Queen of Heaven and Earth, is a celebration of the ultimate exaltation of the Virgin Mary, recognising her unique role and privileged place in the divine plan of salvation. In meditating on this mystery, we are invited to contemplate the glory of Mary and to rejoice in her heavenly crown, while remembering our own call to holiness and eternal life.
The Coronation of Mary Queen of Heaven and Earth is a celebration of the ultimate exaltation of the Virgin Mary, recognising her unique role and privileged place in the divine plan of salvation.
After her Assumption, Mary is welcomed into heavenly glory. She is crowned Queen by her Son, Jesus Christ, in the presence of the entire heavenly court, including the angels and saints. This image of Mary crowned reminds us of her purity, humility and unfailing fidelity to God's will throughout her life. Through this crown, she is honoured not only as the mother of Jesus, but also as the mother of all believers.
Christian tradition sees Mary as the New Eve, the one who cooperated in a unique way with God's plan of redemption by giving birth to the Saviour. In response to her "yes" at the Annunciation, Mary agreed to bear and raise Jesus, thus participating directly in the work of redemption. Because of this exceptional participation, God exalted her above all creatures, crowning her Queen of Heaven and Earth.
This mystery is often illustrated by scenes of Mary receiving a crown from the hand of her Son, surrounded by heavenly splendour. The angels sing her praises, and the saints pay homage to her. This coronation scene symbolises the recognition of her grace-filled cooperation with Jesus' redemptive mission and her role as a powerful intercessor with God for humanity.
The Coronation of Mary invites us to reflect on the nature of kingship in the kingdom of God. Unlike earthly kingdoms, where kingship is often associated with power and domination, Mary's kingship is one of service, love and mediation. As Queen, Mary does not exercise coercive power, but lovingly intercedes for her children, guiding and protecting them with maternal solicitude.
In meditating on this glorious mystery, we are also reminded of our own vocation to holiness. Mary is the perfect model of discipleship, and her crowning inspires us to live a life of fidelity to God, seeking to do his will with humility and love. We are called to follow her example, to cultivate the Christian virtues, and to hope for the reward of eternal life promised by Jesus to those who follow him.
Moreover, this mystery assures us of Mary's constant intercession with her Son on our behalf. As Mother of the Church, she accompanies us on our earthly pilgrimage, interceding for our needs and helping us to remain faithful to our Christian vocation. Her crown is a sign of her power of intercession and her closeness to God, encouraging us to turn to her with confidence in our prayers.
The Coronation of Mary Queen of Heaven and Earth is thus a mystery of joy and hope. It celebrates the victory of divine grace and love, manifested in the life of Mary, and it calls us to share in that same grace by living our faith with fervour. In contemplating this mystery, we renew our commitment to follow Jesus, with Mary as our model and guide, towards the fullness of eternal life in the heavenly kingdom.
