August 22 - Queenship of Mary - "Virgin Mary, Queen of the Order of Franciscans"
Today we celebrate Mary, as Queen with her Son. Although the title of Queen has been attributed to Mary since ancient times (Hail Regina, Regina coeli or the Lauretan litanies) her feast was instituted by Pius XII in 1954.
The following year, the Church celebrated it on May 31, as coronation of the Marian month, while the Franciscan Family, by special pontifical concession, celebrated it, with their own ritual for mass, and liturgy service, under the title of "Virgin Mary, Queen of the Order of Franciscans", on December 15, in the octave of the Immaculate .
In the latest liturgical reform, the celebration has been moved to August 22, the octave of the Assumption, to underline the bond of the royalty of Mary with her special participation in the work of redemption and in the mystery of the Assumption. The Second Vatican Council says in its dogmatic Constitution: "Mary was assumed to heavenly glory and was exalted by the Lord as universal Queen in order to more fully resemble her Son".
PRAYER
Queen of heaven, rejoice. Alleluia.
The Son whom you were privileged to bear, Alleluia, has risen as he said, Alleluia.
Pray to God for us, Alleluia. Rejoice and be glad, Virgin Mary, Alleluia. For the Lord has truly risen, Alleluia.