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Queen of Creation

Queen of Creation

Q: What can you tell us about Mary as Queen of Creation?

A: There exist Marian titles which have an official or classical character because they have been used as specific formulation in prayers or other church documents over a long period of time. Mary, Queen of Creation, does not seem to fit this category. It is what can be termed artificial: the various elements of which it consists somehow all relate to Mary but the title as such is an artificial creation. There are many spiritual writers who made the connection between Mary, Queen and creation. Andrew of Crete calls her "Queen of the human race" (PG XCVII, 1079 B); Germanus of Constantinople "Queen and glorious above all things" or "Queen of all those who dwell on earth" (PG XCVII, 303 A and 315 C); John Damascene reveres her as the Queen of every creature" (PG XLIV, 1158 B). In the liturgy we find advocations such as "Mundi Domina" and "Regina coeli inclita" (lauds feast of Mary's birth).

The title is used to hail Mary as Mother of the Creator, meaning Christ, and because of her association in the redemption. She is the New Eve, and since Christ the King is the new Adam, firstborn of creation, Mary might as well be called Queen of Creation. The proximity with Christ is thus the first and immediate reason to legitimize this title. It can also be used in a more anthropological vein: as Immaculate Conception and Assumption, Mary represents not only the original and abundantly graced concept of human similitude with God but also the eminently fulfilled human destiny. Furthermore, there exists a long tradition comparing Mary with specific aspects or elements of creation, for example in Richard of St. Laurentius (+1245) who symbolically applies the whole of creation to Mary. Representations of Mary in the rose garden or of the apocalyptic woman (surrounded by stars,, moon and sun) point in this direction. Many of these references highlight Mary's relationship to creation more explicitly than they refer to her queenship. Pius XII's encyclical Ad Coeli Reginam on proclaiming the queenship of Mary (Oct 11, 1954) is a good source for further research.

All About Mary includes a variety of content, much of which reflects the expertise, interpretations and opinions of the individual authors and not necessarily of the Marian Library or the University of Dayton. Please share feedback or suggestions with marianlibrary@udayton.edu.

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