31st May, The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Pope Pius XII established this feast in 1954.  In his Encyclical letter of that year 'Ad Coeli Reginam' he pointed out that Mary deserves the title because she is Mother of God, because she is closely associated as the New Eve with Jesus’ redemptive work, because of her preeminent perfection and because of her intercessory power.

Gaudeamus omnes in Domino, diem festum celebrantes sub honore beatae Mariae Virginis Reginae: de cuius solemnitate gaudent Angeli, et collaudant Filium Dei. Alleluia, alleluia. * Eructavit cor meum verbum bonum: dico ego opera mea Regi.
Let us all rejoice in the Lord, celebrating a feast in honor of the blessed Virgin Mary, our Queen, on whose solemnity the angels rejoice, and join in praising the Son of God. Alleluia, alleluia. * My heart hath uttered a good word: I speak my works to the King.
(Introit for Mass, Psalm 44:2, with the Pian Psalter replaced by the usual Vulgate translation)

Concede nobis, quaesumus, Domine: ut, qui solemnitatem beatae Mariae Virginis Reginae nostrae celebramus; ejus muniti praesidio, pacem in praesenti et gloriam in futuro consequi mereamur.
Grant, O Lord, we beseech Thee, to those who are celebrating this solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary our Queen: that safe in her protection we may deserve to enjoy present peace and future glory.
(Collect from Mass)

Link to the Encyclical Letter Ad Coeli Reginam:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xii/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xii_enc_11101954_ad-caeli-reginam_en.html