The annual May Procession at Saint Mary’s of the Barrens will take place Sunday, May 3, beginning at 1 p.m. on the grounds of the historic church, home to the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
The event, open to the public, is a longstanding tradition celebrating devotion to the Blessed Mother. Participants will gather in front of the Shrine Church before processing along the Rosary Walk to the grotto while reciting the Rosary.
At the grotto, First Communicants will present roses to honor Mary, while eighth-grade Confirmands will offer written petitions submitted by members of the Association of the Miraculous Medal from across the country. A wreath of red roses symbolizing prayer intentions will also be placed at the site.
Music will be provided by the St. Vincent de Paul Parish Choir, with attendees joining in familiar Marian hymns and a prayer service.
A highlight of the ceremony will be the crowning of the statue of the Blessed Mother by Emma Mahnken, Prefect of the “Children of Mary” Sodality at St. Vincent High School. Members of the May Court include Audrey Amschler, Brea Leible and Clara Clifton, accompanied by escorts Nolan Brown, Isaac Kirn, Tyler Henneman and Jackson Seabaugh of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus will present a traditional sword salute during the crowning.
