Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart’s May Crowning Mass was held on May 2. This special tradition honors Mary, Mother of Jesus, each year through prayer, song and a procession that culminates in crowning her statue during the student-led Mass. It encourages each student to continue passing down Mary’s story by modeling lives of integrity, resilience and virtue. May Crowning is a traditional way within the Catholic Church to honor Mary by crowning her statue with a wreath of flowers.

“What makes Mary especially unique and relatable is that she was not a known or wealthy individual when God called her to serve,” said sophomore Lucienne Henderson in her opening remarks. “Mary’s example is universal, and anyone can look to her life to see how she demonstrated a life of love and service, deep trust, courage, resilience, and strength.”

Senior Frances Rose Graziano offered a powerful reflection, which included her thoughts on the key role she later would perform: “Today, I crown Mary not just as a tradition, but as an act of gratitude. Gratitude for the strength I’ve found through my struggles. Gratitude for the women in my life who reflect her love and courage. Gratitude for a faith that has carried me through the hardest parts of my life. I also have gratitude for Mary herself, who continues to show me that saying ‘yes’ doesn’t require certainty. It only requires trust.”

Graziano’s reflection also featured thoughts about her mother, such as: “My mom is the strongest and most faithful person I know. She’s the one who stayed up all night, who asked every question twice, who made sure my spirit stayed intact even when my body felt weak. She always knew how to cheer me up and how to solve all of my problems. She reminds me of Mary in just about all of her characteristics — she leads with love, makes sacrifices without complaint, and always believes without limits.”

The Procession of the Senior Court and Honor Guard, leading up to the crowning of Mary’s statue, followed Graziano’s reflection. Each Senior Court member – chosen by a vote of students, faculty and staff – performed an assigned task. Jaela Lisby carried the banner, Denym Kynard read a special prayer, Fiona McNulty carried the crown of flowers and Graziano had the honor of placing the crown on the statue of Mary.

The Honor Guard consists of two members from each Woodlands Academy class chosen by a vote of members of that class: seniors Yahaira Cabrera and Giuliana Popoff, juniors Janicel Otero and Lucy Petherbridge, sophomores Lucienne Henderson and Nicole Waldman, and freshmen Saraliz Callejas and Bella Patino.