The junior high gym of Noonan Elementary Academy, an independent Catholic school in Mokena, was full of students, family members and flowers as the entire school took part in the well loved tradition of May Crowning. May is the month set aside to honor Mary in the Catholic faith, with May Crowning rites dating back well before the nineteenth century. “The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God is important to us at Noonan because of the unique role she plays in salvation history and in our lives,” says Mrs. P, the primary grade religion teacher at Noonan. Traditionally, one girl or a court of girls is often selected to crown statues of Jesus’ mother. Noonan Academy stands out with its’ independence and unapologetic Catholic belief by offering the opportunity to participate in the May Crowning rite to all of the girls in the fourth grade. Each girl dons a simple and modest white gown with a lace veil and is escorted up to a statue of Mary on an alter surrounded by flowers. Her escort then places a red rose in a vase and she is handed a flower crown to place on Mary’s head. Fourth grade is a pivotal year at Noonan, as it’s the transitional year between the primary and junior high. With the physical move between buildings for the fourth grade girls, the formation of their virtue is illustrated by their crowning Mary to symbolize the dignity and beauty that God has bestowed upon her, which is offered with praise and thanksgiving. All students at Noonan Academy are encouraged to strive to imitate Mary as a model of virtue, prayer, fidelity to God and tender love. “May we too help spiritually mother each other into Christ in imitation of Holy Mary,” says Mrs. P.
