On Wednesday, May 20, the Cathedral Prep community gathered to celebrate Mary’s Day, a cherished tradition rooted in the legacy of Villa Maria Academy. The day honored Mary, the Blessed Mother, reflecting on her example of faith, courage, and compassion through the theme of the Magnificat.

The morning kicked off with a lively assembly featuring a guest speech by Julie Yochim Ferraro ’98VMA and a performance by the Cathedral Prep Dance Ensemble. Students also enjoyed a slideshow showcasing baby pictures of the graduating seniors and applauded their peers during the high GPA awards presentation.

Following the assembly, students moved into their activity groups to enjoy juice and cinnamon rolls. This time was dedicated to reading Mary’s Day cards. These cards gave everyone a chance to express gratitude, thank mentors, or simply say hi to friends.

Freshman Patrick Brown said his first Mary’s Day was a great experience.

“What I liked the most about it was reading the cards with my friends,” Patrick said.

The celebration then moved inside Saint Peter’s Cathedral for the sacred crowning ceremony. Ten members of the Class of 2026, chosen for their moral integrity and commitment to faith, served as the May Court, which included May Queen Escort Joseph Bernatowicz and May Queen Fina Bannister. Beautiful musical renditions of “Wind Beneath My Wings,” “Hail Mary: Gentle Woman,” “Ave Maria,” and the “Song of Mary” echoed throughout the cathedral.

Junior Andrew Spitzer had a great time at the ceremony.

“I thought the speeches from the May court were phenomenal,” Andrew said. “Fina Bannister’s speech really hit the heart.”

Once the ceremony concluded, students headed outside in their nice, spiffy outfits to snap commemorative photos with classmates and faculty, capturing the enduring spirit of the Cathedral Prep family.

“We are proud to share with you that Mary’s Day lives on as a ceremony that reflects the faith, community, and true spirit of the Cathedral Prep family,” Prep-Villa.com states.