Dear reader,
The month of August is one of particular felicity on Mary’s Holy Mountain, for it is during this month that Holy Mother Church provides to her children two great feasts in honor of Our Lady.
The first of these holy days is that of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Indeed, we have already celebrated this most joyous day. She who was blessed among all women would be blessed immeasurably by the Most High in not suffering the fate of men and passing from this life to the next without pain or separation from her body.
The latter feast, though not lesser in any manner, is that of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This most fitting and most ancient title reflects both the regal nature of the God-Bearer and her Son, the God-Man, as Msgr. McLean Cummings depicts in his article on this feast day. Indeed, she who bore the King of Kings and Lord of Lords into the world ought to possess herself some title worthy of her position, as Holy Mother Church recognizes with particular exuberance this day. Such is seen most clearly in the treasure trove that is sacred art on this subject. Diego Velázquez’ Coronation of Mary is quite a fitting example of this, which Shannon Cain examines in her article.
It is fitting indeed that during this time of joyous celebration at the Mount, she should welcome us students – her children – back to her with open arms. Whether you are a first-year student walking onto these hallowed grounds for the first time, or a seasoned upperclassman familiar with all of her nooks and crannies, she welcomes each and every one of us with the same warmth and candor. She has readied herself over the summer to provide her sons and daughters with the same immeasurable gifts which she bestowed upon Orestes Brownson, as Dominic Wilkinson explores in depth this issue. Let us rejoice that we have returned to our mountain home this August, and may we give due praise to her who is worthy of such laud and honor:
Blessed are you, O daughter, by the Lord the Most High God, above all women upon the earth. Blessed be the Lord Who made heaven and earth, Who has directed you to the cutting off the head of the prince of our enemies, because He has so magnified your name this day, that your praise shall not depart out of the mouth of men, who shall be mindful of the power of the Lord forever; for you have not spared your life, by reason of the distress and tribulation of your people, but have prevented our ruin in the presence of our God. You are the glory of Jerusalem, you are the joy of Israel, you are the honor of our people. (Judith 13:23-25; 13:15; 13:10)
Nolan Williams, Editor-in-Chief
