August 22: Feast of the Queenship of Mary

Most people are familiar with the creation story found in the first chapter of the Book of Genesis. God creates the world in an ordered fashion over the course of seven, poetically-flowing days. It is such a well-known narrative, that even individuals of other faiths (or no faith at all) know the story. However, a uniquely Christian concept (which is not as commonplace throughout the world) is the notion of “the eighth day of creation.”

In light of Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday morning, everything is “made new,” sin and death are no more, and all of creation is restored to its original form. Thus, in the eyes of the Church, every Sunday is also known as “the eighth day” or “the Octave,” and the number eight has become symbolic of new life.

From the early centuries of the Church, Octaves were marked by grand celebrations and festivities which lasted for eight full days, signifying “new life” in the Church. While it is true that there are now, officially, only two Octaves celebrated in the Roman Catholic calendar (Christmas and Easter) there are nonetheless “minor Octaves” that are observed: like the one which will finish today! The Feast of the Assumption of Mary on August 15th is the beginning of the Octave that reaches its completion on today’s Feast of the Queenship of Mary.

“Let all approach with greater confidence now than ever before, the throne of mercy and grace of our Queen and Mother to beg help in difficultly, light in darkness, and solace in trouble and sorrow.” Pope Pius XII

Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile show us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

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