About 75 years ago, approximately 50 kids who were six or seven gathered at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, which was located on Water Street in Clarksburg. The purpose for this gathering was to celebrate the May Procession and the crowning of the Blessed Mother Statue. 

 

Among many other observations May is the month of the Blessed Mother of Jesus in the Church.  Long ago the church had many statues in it but since has reduced the number and now we have about six or seven and among these are the statue of the Blessed Mother.

 

Back then the first graders received their first communion on the first Sunday in May.  All the girls were dressed in white dresses and the boys wore white shirts and pants. The next Sunday all the girls and boys gathered at the church dressed in their white finery and participated in the May Procession. 

 

One bright sunny Sunday, I recalled that the statue was placed outside in the lawn and no matter whether it was inside or out, it was always decorated with many beautiful flowers around it.  As we processed to the statue, we sang several of the beautiful Blessed Mother songs. 

 

Back then one of the high school senior girls was chosen to crown the queen with another being the crown bearer.  After the crowning and prayers led by the priest, there would be a concert of special songs with everyone participating. Usually, we went into the Colombian Hall where we enjoyed cookies and punch.  The blessed mother remained with her crown throughout the month of May.

 

This year the tradition was reinstated at the Immaculate Conception Church with the first Communion class participating in the program.  There were about seven young boys and girls who received their first communion this year.  The statue of the blessed Mother was placed in front of the altar and decorated with beautiful spring flowers.  The First Communion service was held on Saturday and the May Procession with the crowning was held on Sunday.

 

MaKenna Lynn Robey, a member of the first communion class was chosen as the May Procession Queen.  She had the honor of placing the crown of flowers on the Blessed Mother.  She is the daughter of Jenna Hampton Robey and Matt Robey. She is an active member of the Immaculate Conception Church and can usually be found at church on Friday evening assisting Father Casey Mahone in the services, as well as attending mass regularly on Sunday.  She is home schooled by her Aunt, Dr. Cathy Fisher.

 

Throughout the month of May special services will be held commentating the Month of Mary.  A Rosary Rally will be held at a local park.

 

May is the month to observe many different activities and now with the mask restriction lifted, we will be able to participate in these events.

 

Do not forget to attend the Meet and Greet for the Clarksburg City Council and Water Board-to be held on Saturday, May 21at the Uptown Event Center at 9 a.m.  This is being sponsored by the YWPA and the PWA. Get to know the candidates you will be voting for.

 

Stay healthy, stay happy and until next week “Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.”