August 22, 2026 // Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Psalm: Psalm 85:9ab, 10, 11-12, 13-14 

Reflect on the Word // 

The bishop of my diocese recently called upon the faithful to consider leaving a legacy gift to the Church as a means to support Christ’s mission even beyond this earthly life. What struck me in his appeal were these words in particular: “Our faith calls us to not only be stewards of the blessings we have received in this lifetime, but to consider how they might bear fruit long after we are called home to the Lord.”  

The bishop's statement invites us to reflect not only on our spending choices, but on how we live, how we give, and how we entrust the future to the Lord’s care. I can’t speak for your own heart, sister, but I, for one, want to be remembered not only for what I received, but for what I gave: the faith I shared, the hope I inspired, and the love I made visible to the world, so that the “glory of the Lord will dwell” (Psalm 85:10) forever in the spaces He sent me. That is the legacy I want to leave others. 

And so I look to our Lady, who lovingly handed on the fruits of her fidelity and faith through a life lived for God. Today, as we venerate Mary as queen, we recognize that she is crowned with honor and glory not in order to exalt her own gifts, but so that our souls might yield their increase (see Psalm 85:13). The Memorial of Mary’s Queenship points to the day when God’s promises will be realized: “Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice look down from heaven” (Psalm 85:11-12). Indeed, dear friend, Mary’s legacy reminds us that we live for eternity. In this, we are invited to mirror the witness of our reigning Mother, who walked “along the way of his steps” (Psalm 85:14) and who shows us the way home. Hers is a legacy of love. Let the same be said of us someday. 

Mary, Queen of Heaven and earth, pray for us!

Relate to the Lord // Pray the fifth Glorious mystery, the Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or a full Rosary today.