Annual Crowning of Mary Ceremony Returns at Sound Beach

The Crowning of Mary took place on May 27 this year, with Sr. Rosemary Connelly being chosen to do the honors. 

The Sisters at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Convent gathered around the statue of Mary in OLPH’s parking lot, and staff member Karen Murphy started the crowning with an introduction. 

“May has traditionally been Mary’s month,” Karen said in her introduction to the May Crowning. 

“In this celebration, the family will not only remember Mary as Mother of Jesus but, in a special way, as the Mother of the Church and all of us. Her motherhood, along with the love of God the Father and Jesus our brother, unites all of mankind into the family of God.” 

Sr. Rosemary placed the flower crown on the statue of Mary, and the other Sisters sang “Bring the Flowers of the Rarest.” Other songs included “On This Day, O Beautiful Mother” and “Immaculate Mary.”

Sisters sing at the Crowning of Mary.

Karen began this tradition and chooses the Sister based on their Jubilee date, age, and how long they’ve been at OLPH. 

The ceremony honors Mary as the Queen of Heaven. 

In 2025, Sr. Maureen Hurley was chosen, and Sr. Irene Arsenault did the crowning in 2024.