May Crowning Celebrated at St Philip Howard

Parishioners at St Philip Howard Church in Cambridge gathered in joyful celebration for a traditional May Crowning ceremony on 31 May in honour of Our Lady.

Following the 10am Sunday Mass, the parish’s 400-strong congregation processed from the church to the Marian grotto outside, singing the much-loved hymn Bring Flowers of the Rarest. The procession provided a fitting tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary during the month traditionally dedicated to her.

At the grotto, Parish Priest Fr Philip led the congregation in prayer and blessed a rose crown before placing it on the statue of Our Lady. The congregation then sang As I Kneel Before You as children came forward carrying flowers, filling the vases surrounding the statue until they overflowed with colourful blooms.

Fr Philip then led a Prayer of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for the parish and its families, entrusting them to Our Lady’s loving care and intercession.

The ceremony concluded with the singing of the Salve Regina, bringing to a close a beautiful and prayerful celebration of devotion to the Mother of God, which was attended by parishioners of all ages.

Comments