Crown of Hope: Mary’s Queenship as a Beacon for Pilgrims of Hope in Jubilee 2025

As the Church marks the Jubilee Year 2025 under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”, the feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 22 August offers profound nourishment for our spiritual journey. Pope Francis’s call for renewed hope finds perfect embodiment in Mary, who reigns not through earthly power but through her surrender to God’s will and her maternal intercession for humanity.

1. Biblical Foundations of Mary’s Queenship

Mary’s royal dignity is rooted in Scripture, especially in Revelation where she appears “clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (Rev 12:1). The Annunciation confirms her as Mother of the Messiah-King, making her the Queen Mother in the Davidic tradition. Her Magnificat proclaims God’s love for the humble, revealing greatness through service. At Cana, her intercession highlights her maternal concern for human needs.

2. Theology of Divine Motherhood

Mary’s queenship is inseparable from her divine motherhood. As Mother of the King of Kings, she shares in Christ’s royal dignity while extending spiritual motherhood to the faithful. St Thomas Aquinas and later reflection affirm Mary as embodiment of the Church’s royal priesthood and model of holiness.

3. Magisterial Teaching

Pope Pius XII instituted the feast in 1954 through Ad Caeli Reginam, declaring Mary “Queen of Heaven and Earth.” Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium describes her as “exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things.” St John Paul II emphasised her queenship as service, while Pope Francis presents her as the “Mother of Hope,” resonating with the Jubilee theme of renewal.

4. Queen of Hope in Contemporary Challenges

Across history, Mary has been invoked as a refuge in humanity’s darkest hours. She offers hope to those facing despair, illness, and spiritual trials. As Queen of Peace, she remains a source of reconciliation in a divided world.

5. Jubilee Connection

The Jubilee theme “Pilgrims of Hope” echoes Mary’s own pilgrim journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, Egypt, and Calvary. Her intercession strengthens believers in their path of renewal, leading all pilgrims to Christ, the true source of hope.

6. Contemporary Relevance

Mary’s queenship challenges oppression through her Magnificat and calls for justice for the marginalised. She affirms women’s dignity and inspires care for creation as Queen of Creation.

7. Living Under Mary’s Reign

Devotions such as the Rosary deepen connection with her intercession. Her example of faith, hope, and charity forms Christian life and strengthens missionary discipleship.

Conclusion

Mary’s crown is woven from her perfect fiat and compassion. As Queen, she guides all pilgrims of hope in 2025 towards her Son, showing that true royalty is service, true power is surrender, and true hope is trust in God.

By Fr. Valerian Lobo

Jamshedpur diocese

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