Nieves Perez stood on the steps outside the Basilica of St. Mary in Alexandria after Mass and thought about her mother.
“That was actually heartbreaking for me,” she said. “I couldn’t even breathe at some moments during the coronation. My mom, who passed away a year ago, was very Marian and I have a feeling she was here. This was a great reminder to everyone of how important Mary is for us and how she can help us to get to God.”
Perez had just witnessed a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge to crown the 130-year-old statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title of the Immaculate Conception.
Moments after the bishop’s homily, seminarian Alex Solsma stepped up a ladder and solemnly placed the golden crown, custom made in Spain, on the head of the statue. The crown incorporates a gold band of 12 points ending in stars, signifying the words of Revelation 12:1: “A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.”
“All of us have the beautiful opportunity in our hearts today to entrust ourselves and those we love to the care and protection of Mary our mother and to express our love and devotion to her under the title of the Immaculate Conception,” said Bishop Burbidge. “I think we also, in these sacred days, can learn from her example. She taught us the importance of being, simply being, at the feet of Jesus.”
After two weeks of frigid weather, parishioners enjoyed the warmth of the sun after Mass, taking photos with Bishop Burbidge on the sidewalk, and rejoicing on the eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
“I’ve been a parishioner here since I was 5 years old,” said Lucy Lamb. “Now, I’m a mother of five daughters and I have my grandson here. This was such a beautiful recognition of the mother of Jesus. We can all reflect and have a connection with Mary.”
“The ceremony was absolutely beautiful,” said Robert Alcorn. “I’m an adult convert to Catholicism, so I’m relatively new to all this, but days like today reaffirm to me that I made the right decision to become Catholic.”
In 2025, the basilica will celebrate its 230th anniversary as the oldest Catholic church in Virginia. “It’s incredible to be here, to see the joy of our parish and to honor Our Lady in all of her beauty and grace,” said Sophie Varisco. “I’m grateful to be a part of this community and to see the way the basilica has given back to this community for 230 years.”
“It’s a beautiful day to honor the mother of God and it was the least that I could do to come to this crowning,” said Gabriel Hays. “The 230-year history of this church is powerful.”
Father Edward C. Hathaway, rector, said that Mary remains the great model for all Christians. “Our love for the Mother of God needs to be expressed as we see how God exalts the humble,” he said. “It’s very touching to our hearts, to physically have a crown placed upon this image of Our Lady that we’ve prayed to for 130 years, uniting us throughout the decades that this image has been venerated.”
“We love being the beating heart of Catholicism here in Old Town Alexandria,” said Drew Bowling. “We are very gratified and edified that the bishop came to celebrate this day with our Catholic family. You can see that in the radiant faces of all who are here today.”
