May crownings draw eyes, hearts to the Blessed Mother

Story by James Ramos / Contributed photos

NEW CANEY — Surrounding a shimmering statue of the Blessed Mother, dozens of blue and pink flowers fluttered in the wind as many faithful approached an altar tucked into the shade of a towering tree. Hundreds turned out for a special May Crowning festival at St. John of the Cross in New Caney on May 1.

Hosted by parish ministries and volunteers, vendors hawked delicious homemade foods at the festival as florists arranged delicate plants and flowers for visitors to offer to the Blessed Mother during the event.

Stems of freshly cut Baby's breath made the many bouquets of roses and other greens sparkle beneath Our Lady. Handmade flower crowns glittered in the sun next to large images of Our Lady of Guadalupe not far from a parish Spring plant sale.

"It is a fitting to give honor to Mary for being the mother of our God and Savior, especially during the month of Mary," Father Michael Applegate, pastor at St. John of the Cross, said in a message to parishioners. "Let us continue to ask Mother Mary to intercede for us all so that we will get closer to her Son and help the world."

The New Caney church joined other parishes and Catholic schools around the Archdiocese, small communities held special May crowning devotions, carrying forward a long-standing tradition where a statue of the Blessed Mother is crowned with flowers. From New Caney, to Galveston and to the heart Houston, thousands turned to Our Lady in prayer and faith to Jesus her son.

While the statues varied in the devotion to Our Lady, with some crowning statues of Fatima, Guadalupe or of the Miraculous Medal, the choice to ask for Our Lady's intercession.