IN ANOTHER FIRST for Holy Trinity Parish in Ladera Ranch, more than 300 parishioners gathered on May 3, to honor Mary with the parish’s first traditional May Crowning celebration.
“This is something we have been planning to do for a long time,” said Holy Trinity’s pastor, Fr. Michael St. Paul. “We were pleased that the Knights of Columbus, the Holy Trinity Rosary Group, the Fil-Am Filipino Ministry and the Hispanic Ministry worked together to make the event happen.”
JSERRA SENIOR GIANNA CARLILE PLACES A FLOWER CROWN ON THE BLESSED MOTHER ON MAY 2 AT HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH. PHOTO BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Since the earliest days of the Church, Christians have held Mary in the highest esteem, second only to her Son, Jesus Christ. In one of his final comments, Jesus instructed the Apostle St. John to “behold your mother.” The Blessed Virgin, or Theotokos (God-bearer), for two millennia she has been the heavenly mother to all her children, an intercessor on our behalf to her Son and a comforter to all who call her blessed.
Following Mass, the ceremony began with an abundance of sweetness – a procession of toddlers in angel costumes bearing flowers, followed by first communicants in their white dresses and suits, also carrying flowers and finally, 17-year-old Gianna Carlile, who carried the wreath to place on the statue of the Virgin. The procession was accompanied by several traditional Marian hymns, including “Ave Maria.”
HELEN PARSONS OFFERS FLOWERS TO THE BLESSED MOTHER AT THE RECEPTION IN HER HONOR.
After the crowning, the congregation processed behind the statue, while praying the Rosary and proceeded around the church perimeter before returning to the church courtyard. As is typical of Holy Trinity celebrations, the event concluded with a feast for everyone in attendance.
While in middle school at the Mission in San Juan Capistrano, Carlile participated in a similar event during the procession. Now a senior at JSerra Catholic High School, Carlile has always had a special relationship with the Blessed Mother.
“My mother is from Portugal, and we have always had a special place in our hearts for Mary and Our Lady of Fatima. This is such an honor for me, honoring my heavenly mother, who has been so important to me all my life.”
Carlile and her family have been parishioners of Holy Trinity since its first Mass.
“We expect to continue this tradition every May to honor Mary as the Queen of Heaven,” said Fr. Michael.