Lake Forest, Lake Bluff Students Assist in May Crowning

Lake Forest and Lake Bluff students at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart were active participants in the school's annual May Crowning, a long-standing Catholic tradition, on May 13. Senior Blair O’Neill of Winnetka greeted attendees and gave the Call to Worship in a prayer service that celebrated Mary, a woman of exemplary virtue.

Senior Allyson Genger of Lake Bluff read a lesson from the Gospel of Luke, and senior Charlotte Elwart of Lake Forest called on seniors Lupe Monterroso of Highwood and Leann Lyden of Lake Forest, along with faculty member Mary Ann Salemi of Deerfield, to provide reflections of the angel Gabriel, the Virgin Mary, and of Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth, respectively.

Maggie Young of Winnetka read an excerpt from the poem, Elizabeth and Mary, by Mary Lou Sleevi. Traditional hymns celebrating Mary were sung throughout the service, which culminated in a formal procession in the chapel and the crowning of the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Senior Gina Carfagno of Lake Forest performed a solo of Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant, while Caroline Kagan of Chicago provided a beautiful rendition of Ave Maria by Bach – Gounod.

Four seniors, selected by their peers as women who best exemplify Mary’s attributes, were honored as principal participants. Hannah Wilson of Winnetka led the procession with the Marian banner, Lisa Borosh of Lake Forest carried the floral crown, Stephanye Vela of Waukegan placed the crown on the statue of Mary, and Katherine Flint of Lake Forest read the Prayer of Consecration.

In addition, eight students chosen by their respective classes served as an Honor Guard: Seniors Lauren Hermsen of Gurnee andChristina Osorio of Lake Forest, juniors Molly Dasso of Lake Bluff and Cora Ives of Winthrop Harbor, sophomores Emily Bartusiak of Deerfield and Allie Vela of Waukegan, and freshmen Ellie Keller and Caroline Watts, both of Lake Bluff.

The Liturgical Chorus, under the direction of Elizabeth Kurowski of Mundelein, provided the music for the service. A variety of Marian hymns were featured. The Student Campus Ministry Team, under the direction of Campus Minister Mary Gramins of Deerfield, planned and organized the prayer service.