Union Catholic continued its longstanding and very important tradition with the May Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the school on Friday morning.

The ceremony was attended by UC's Class of 2026.

Principal Dr. Jim Reagan Jr. opened the ceremony in the auditorium by explaining the importance and the history of the May Crowning and how much The Blessed Mary means to Union Catholic

That was followed by the song "Immaculate Mary.’’

The ceremony continued outside where John Becht, Union Catholic's Campus Minister, introduced each reader, seniors Alex Landazabal, Emma Kaminski, Maria Gialanella, Lei Cervantes, and Abigail Louis-Pierre.

Senior Brandon Banko had the honor of crowning the statue of Mary with a wreath made of flowers.

The outdoor ceremony concluded with the song, “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman.’’  

There was also a ceremony inside in the main lobby where senior Deanna Casador placed a crown on top of another statue of Mary.   

“The May Crowning is a beautiful tradition here at Union Catholic that allows our students to pay tribute to the Blessed Mother and to continue the legacy of both Sister Irma Gazzillo and Sister Ann Sullivan,’’ said Becht. “Mary represents a very special spiritual sense of peace and devotion.  The statues of Mary located on our front lawn, main office, and main foyer provide a calming presence to all that stop and pray with Mary.’’