Hail Holy Queen

From the earliest centuries of the Church, we have honored Mary as queen, recognizing her role as mother of our king, Jesus, who is son of Mary and Son of God.  Virtually all of the Church Fathers lauded Mary as queen, particularly after the fourth century councils that declared Mary as the Theotikos, Mother of God.  Some of our most ancient hymns venerate Mary in this role – “Hail, Holy Queen Enthroned Above” has always been one of my favorites.

In a sense, when we recognize Mary as queen, we are echoing the words of the angel Gabriel, the words of Elizabeth, and the words of Mary herself.  As we recall from Scripture, both Gabriel and Elizabeth declare Mary as “blessed among women.”  (Lk 1:28, 42)  Mary then prays that though she is merely God’s lowly servant, “…all generations will call me blessed.” (Lk 1:48)

But why is she so blessed?  Why is so right for us to honor her as our queen?  Is it because God somehow loves Mary more than he loves us?  Is there really some ranking in heaven where the great saints are somehow more “one with God” that those who perhaps just weren’t that great? 

But this would contradict our faith that God’s love is unconditional, infinite and universal.  God loves all creation – even fallible you and fallible me – with precisely the same love as God loves Mary.  Rankings and titles are things us finite, world-bound humans do.

Yet, it is still right to honor Mary as Queen.  For Mary is not only the mother of Jesus, the Mother of God.  She is also our perfect model of response to the love of God.  It is through Mary’s perfect obedience to God’s will that salvation was made available to us.  For Mary did not pray as I often do – may your will be changed – she prayed perfectly, as Jesus would teach us to do – may your will be done.   “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.  May it be done to me according to your word.”  (Lk 1:38)

Mary prayed that God’s will be done despite the great personal danger it entailed for her.  She remained faithful to this prayer despite the great suffering and pain she endured listening to the people scorn her son, torture him, and crucify him.

But there is more.  As she if our model of perfect prayer, she also becomes a paragon of intercessors.  After all, if we wish someone to pray for us, what better person to ask than the one whose prayer is perfect? 

Mary, perfect pray-er, Mary, Queen of saints, Mary, Queen of heaven and earth, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

Hail, holy Queen enthroned above, O Maria.

Hail, Queen of mercy and of love, O Maria.

Triumph, all ye cherubim,

Sing with us, ye seraphim,

Heaven and earth resound the hymn:

Salve, salve, salve Regina!