Each year the entire Sacred Heart Academy Community gathers in our beloved chapel to celebrate the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. Students and teachers alike volunteer to be a part of the living rosary which stretches across the whole chapel. One by one, each person goes up to the microphone at the head of the chapel and recites a prayer. It unifies the school in such a special way, as the leader says the first half of the prayer and the entire school joins together for the second half. It is a unique and memorable event for anyone who is able to attend. The ceremony is so amazing to watch, but being a part of it is even more special.
Although anyone can be a part of the living rosary, the students with the most important roles are the spectacular seniors. This year, at the 69th annual SHA May Crowning, Megan Gray received the honor of crowning Mary, with Abigail Roth alongside her as the crown-bearer. Both girls were presented along with the court who walked down the aisle dressed in white. Gray reflected back on the ceremony saying, “I was so extremely honored to be chosen to crown Mary. The May Crowning was the last time the seniors would be with the school community and it was the perfect way to end our last day at SHA.” She is not the only one who felt that way; all the girls who were chosen by their classmates were honored and excited to participate in such a special event. Margaret Hughes, one member of the court, said, “It was definitely one of the best parts of senior year. The tradition is so special, and I am so honored I was able to be part of it.”
It is important for our community to give special thanks and recognition to the Blessed Mother Mary, since SHA is an institute of young women. Mary is the ideal role model of faith, love, and charity. She put all her trust into God and handed her life over to him. That is what we should be thinking about when every day we recite, “Sacred Heart of Jesus, I placed my trust in You. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in your love for me.”