(Promulgated 1954) “Following upon the frightful calamities which before Our very eyes have reduced flourishing cities, towns, and villages to ruins, we see to Our sorrow that many great moral evils are being spread abroad in what may be described as a violent flood…The threat of this fearful crisis fills us with a great anguish, and so with confidence we have recourse to Mary Our Queen…By this Encyclical Letter we are instituting a feast so that all may recognize more clearly and venerate more devoutly the merciful and maternal sway of the Mother of God” (Pope Venerable Pius XII, Encyclical Letter Ad Caeli Reginam, On Proclaiming the Queenship of Mary on October 11, 1954).

Pope Venerable Pius XII was “convinced that this feast will help to preserve, strengthen and prolong that peace among nations.” Peace is our goal in our examination (Step 4) and amends (Steps 8 and 9). How can the Queenship of Mary promote that in our own recovery?

“Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope…Pray for us O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ” (Salve Regina).

Reflection by Brad Farmer