The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. Today the Church celebrates the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a feast that was instituted as recognition of Mary’s participation in the glorious and universal kingdom of Christ through her special role in his work of redemption. Today’s feast celebrates the elevation of the Blessed Virgin Mary as she who is indeed blessed among all women. Mary’s Queenship is derived from her participation in the salvific work undertaken by her son. She is, as it were, the Queen Mother of Jesus the King. Mary’s special role in her sons’ redemptive work has seen her being designated as our mediatrix, that is, although she is not the source of the graces which we need in our lives of discipleship, she is nonetheless the channel through which the said graces come to us. As the mother of the Church, Mary is our greatest intercessor who pleads our cause before her son (cf. John 2:3-5). Mary’s role in the salvation of the world cannot be understated. It is through her willingness to cooperate with God that the prophecies of old got to be fulfilled. Her willingness to be the mother of our savior Jesus Christ enabled the coming to fulfillment of God’s plan for creation. Jesus Christ, the fruit of Mary’s womb, is the light that came shining for those who had been walking in darkness. The forgiveness, love, kindness, generosity and brotherliness that were the content of Jesus’ teaching were the key to unlocking the doors of the kingdom of God. As St. Paul says, in the fullness of time, God sent his Son, born of a woman…to redeem us…so that we could receive adoption as sons and daughters of God (cf. Galatians 4:4-5).