Crowning of Mary in Bluegrass is a growing tradition rooted in community

Story by Kristi Anderson
Photography by Paul Middlestaedt

Each spring, the community of St. Hubert Parish in Bluegrass gathers for one of its most cherished traditions: the Crowning of Mary. For generations, parishioners have come together to honor the Blessed Mother with flowers, hymns and heartfelt devotion — a ritual echoed throughout the Universal Church during the month of May. The tradition reminds Catholics that Mary always leads to her Son and teaches how to say “yes” with humility and joy.

At St. Hubert’s, the celebration carries a rich local history. The late Father Ron Schmelzer introduced the outdoor May Crowning tradition to the parish in 2003, holding it for faith formation students to mark the end of classes for the year. After a pause for a few years, the tradition returned. In the last five years, it has blossomed into a full ACC‑wide gathering.

“It has changed and grown over time,” said longtime parishioner Vera Malone. “We started out with just our parish, then added St. Frederick’s in Verndale and Assumption in Menahga. Now it’s all eight parishes of the Mary, Mother of the Church ACC.”

This year, Malone noted that the growth was unmistakable. An estimated 150–175 people attended the May 13 event — the largest crowd ever gathered, she said. Families lingered long after the event ended, children laughing and playing in the churchyard while adults visited and reconnected.

“I just so enjoyed going from one family to another,” Malone shared. “Often I’m in the kitchen, but this gave me the chance to be around everyone.”

The evening was filled with small, grace‑filled moments: a cupcake rosary, a Marian procession, praying the rosary outside before the crowning, flowers for the children, kickball and, new this year, an ice cream social and youth coloring contest. For Mabel Hendrickx, 8, the highlight was being chosen to crown Mary, especially because the tradition is that a recent first communicant receives this honor.

“She was so excited,” Malone said. “She said yes right away.”

Mabel’s family, her parents Mike and Alida, seven siblings including a newborn and likely the youngest attendee, stood nearby as she placed the floral crown on Mary’s statue in the outdoor grotto, which Malone argues is the largest in the diocese.

Across the crowd gathered outside, generations interacted. One father approached Malone — she had taught him in sixth‑grade faith formation — and now he stood there with children of his own, one tugging at his sleeve for ice cream.

“The connections people have made in our ACC are vibrant and very strong,” Malone reflected. “Everyone was mixing and mingling, from the youngest to the oldest.”

The oldest attendee, 92‑year‑old Mary Ann Uselman, brought her broken rosary, hoping someone might help. She found a fellow parishioner who repaired it on the spot. Mary lives across from the church and has her own quiet ritual.

“When the light goes on in the grotto at night, she kneels down and prays. And then she knows it’s time to go to bed,” Malone said.

The evening’s beauty was matched by perfect weather, Malone added.

“We were praying for good weather. Mary certainly wanted this to go on. It was a beautiful night, no wind, warm and it allowed families to come and fully participate,” she said.

Malone said the event was a true collaboration. The ACC discipleship directors organized the celebration, while St. Hubert’s parish prepared the meal as part of the monthly rotating Family Night in the ACC. The Knights of Columbus and other parish groups assisted as well.

“It takes a village to put on a thing like this,” Malone said. “All the special elements that were organized, and all the people who attended and participated, this is what makes a community.”

The three priests in the ACC attended, added their encouragement.

“When I talked to Father Rick [Aubol], he said, ‘Keep doing this celebration of Mary,’” Malone recalled. “Father Greg [Sauer] joked that he wants more bugs — we need more bugs! There were no sad faces. Everyone was laughing and visiting.”

As families headed home, one woman shared with Malone that her grandson staying with her in Bluffton attended the event with her and couldn’t stop talking about the night.

“He said that he had never had so much fun and learning about the rosary.”

What makes the Crowning of Mary at St. Hubert’s so special is not only the beauty of the ritual but the way it connects the parish across generations, Malone said.

“Those who once carried flowers as children now watch their children or grandchildren do the same. The faith is still alive and that is why this is such an important tradition.”