From Assumption to Queenship: A tradition begins in the Rockies

Yes, she was the Mother of Christ, but she was also the first disciple. And that was the most important role that she was giving to the Church.” ~Bishop William T. McGrattan

The voices of hundreds filled the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Rockies on Aug 22, 2025 as the Diocese gathered for the Memorial of the Queenship of Mary Jubilee Mass. Pilgrims came from across the diocese, including families, young adults, clergy and religious, and parishioners of all ages.

​In his homily, Bishop William McGrattan reminded the faithful why the Church honours Mary as Queen. “Mary’s queenship derives from her motherhood, for she is the mother of the King of Kings. It derives secondly from her participation in the redemption of all humanity, for it was her fiat, her yes to God, that allowed this plan of salvation to take shape.” He added, “Yes, she was the Mother of Christ, but she was also the first disciple. And that was the most important role that she was giving to the Church.”

More photos from the Queenship of Mary Jubilee Mass

Walking in faith, singing in hope
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Mary, Mother of Hope: Jubilee Marian Week began on Friday, Aug 15, 2025 in Banff with the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, where Bishop McGrattan presided at Mass. On Monday, Aug 18, immediately after the morning prayer, nearly 40 young adults from the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy carried the Jubilee Cross on a 26 km pilgrimage from Banff to Canmore. They prayed, sang, and walked together until they reached the Shrine, where the cross was placed for the duration of the week. 

More photos from the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, St. Mary's, Banff

The week also included two evenings of sacred music. The Mary, Mystical Rose concert brought together professional singers who offered their gifts in praise of God (read Solomon's article), while Crowned with Stars, directed by Carlos Foggin, filled the Shrine with a stirring offering of choral works, live strings, and organ. The concert also premiered Foggin’s new Marian composition Regina Caeli, which was specially composed for the concert. 

More photos from Crowned with Stars Concert in Canmore

Pilgrims were further nourished by three evenings of reflection with Bishop Pierre-Olivier Tremblay, OMI, who spoke on the theme Mary, Walk with Us in this Jubilee of Hope. He reflected on the strength found in communal prayer through confraternities, the spiritual renewal offered in shrines as holy places, and the call to live with Mary in hope for a great mission.

The Queenship of Mary

The week reached its high point on Friday, Aug 22, 2025 with the Memorial of the Queenship of Mary Jubilee Mass with Bishop McGrattan, and concelebrated by Bishop Pierre-Olivier Tremblay, OMI, and priests of the Diocese. 

It was also here that Bishop McGrattan returned to the day’s Gospel from John, where Jesus gave Mary to the beloved disciple. “In that sign she was given to the disciple as his mother and the disciple as her son. This is the sign of Mary’s spiritual motherhood. She is the new Eve, the mother of all the faithful. And it is from the glory of the cross that Christ proclaims this reality for us for all ages.” He connected this to the Jubilee pilgrimage, noting how the Cross of Hope carried by young adults from Banff to Canmore became a visible reminder of the same gift of faith and hope entrusted to the Church.​

[Mary] was given to the disciple as his mother and the disciple as her son. This is the sign of Mary’s spiritual motherhood. She is the new Eve, the mother of all the faithful. And it is from the glory of the cross that Christ proclaims this reality for us for all ages.” ~Bishop McGrattan

The liturgy included the erection of the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary, carried out by Fr. Pilmaiken Lezano under the authority of the Dominican Prior Provincial. The confraternity, centuries old and present around the world, is a spiritual family where the faithful commit to praying the Rosary and share in the indulgences and graces of the Church.

Afterward, another moving moment was the Coronation of Mary, when a crown was placed on the statue of Our Lady. As Bishop McGrattan said in his homily, “Our Blessed Mother reigns now in heaven. She is the seat of all wisdom. She extends to the Church and to the world the eternal wisdom of God.” At the end of the liturgy, Bishop McGrattan gave the Apostolic Blessing with plenary indulgence, a special grace granted through the Holy Father for this Jubilee. 

With heartfelt gratitude, we thank Fr. Pilmaiken Lezano, pastor of the Shrine Church, together with his dedicated team, Linda and Shelley, and the many volunteers whose generous service helped make the celebrations truly prayerful and welcoming. We are also grateful for Fr. Daniel Stevenot, Fr. Troy Nguyen, and his SFXC team, who guided the young adult pilgrimage that opened the week with such faith and joy.

Our Marian Jubilee Week celebration ended in joy as the whole assembly sang the beloved hymn Immaculate Mary:
Immaculate Mary, your praises we sing,
You reign now in heaven with Jesus, our King.
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria
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As the final notes filled the Shrine, many hoped that this was a glimpse of what Jubilee Marian Week will continue to offer in years to come: a living tradition of faith, music, and devotion to our Blessed Mother: Mary, Mother of Hope.

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Photos by Bandi Szakony for the Diocese of Calgary.