“Thee, O God, we praise,” is written in Latin on each side of this image. Christ is placing a crown on Mary’s head. At first glance, this image is hard for me as a Protestant to understand. I look more carefully and notice how Mary is directing attention to her son, the Risen Christ. Above them I see the Holy Spirit (symbolized by a dove) extending red symbols of God’s blessing to both. This image of Mary being crowned by the King of Kings, who wears no crown, expresses His appreciation and respect. I too appreciate and respect Mary for her “Yes,” to God, daily fulfilling the challenge of mothering Jesus, and devotion to her son during his ministry, death, and after his resurrection.
My prayer
Risen Christ, may I, like Your mother, love You, be a faithful disciple, and direct others to you.
Biblical touchstone
To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17 (NRSV)
Invitation to prayer
Join with worshippers from many ages who proclaim, “Now, our God, we give thanks to You and praise Your glorious name.” Continue to praise God using your own words and movements. (1 Chronicles 29:13 NRSV)
Photo and placement of this image in relationship to the labyrinth
The Crowning of Mary by Jesus. On the left and right are angels banderoles with the early Christian hymn of praise TE DEVM LAVDAMVS, “Thee, O God, we praise.” This image is near the top of the Death and Glorification of Mary stained glass window at the Chartres Cathedral. This thirteenth century window (1205-1215) is found in the south aisle of the Chartres Cathedral. It is the fourth window from the west wall, shown here on the far left of the photograph below.
Related Posts: Other Images of Mary Visible from the Labyrinth in the Chartres Cathedral
To the east of the labyrinth:
The apsidal image of Mary as a throne for Jesus who is sitting on her lap blessing on the top of the East central window (above the choir).
The Annunciation of Jesus’ birth to Mary in the East central window (above the choir).
The Visitation of Mary and her cousin Elizabeth in the East central window (above the choir).
To the west of the labyrinth:
Mary in the Tree of Jesse (Ancestors of Jesus). Twelfth century window (1140-1150) on the north side of the west wall.
The Annunciation in The Life of Christ Window. Twelfth century window (1145-1155), the central window on the west wall.
The Visitation of Mary and Elizabeth in the Life of Christ Window.
The Nativity: Mary, Jesus and Joseph in the Life of Christ Window.
The Kings Visit Jesus and Mary in the life of Christ Window.
The Flight Into Egypt: Mary, Jesus and Joseph in the Life of Christ Window
The Return from Egypt: The Holy Family in the Life of Christ Window
Jesus blessing while sitting on Mary’s Lap in the Life of Christ Window
Mary standing below the cross of Jesus in the Passion and Resurrection Window (1145-1155), on the south side of the west wall.
Mary holding Jesus’ hands as his body is taken off the cross in the Passion and Resurrection Window.
Mary watching the anointing and entombment of Jesus in the Passion and Resurrection Window.
To the south of the labyrinth:
Nursing Mary and Jesus in a clerestory window (1205-1215) above the labyrinth.
Mary holding Jesus, a sculpture on the fifteenth century organ above the south nave.
The symbolic “shirt of Mary” on the Bishop’s pulpit (south side of the nave) above the labyrinth.
The flight from Israel to Egypt in the St. John window in the south aisle.
Mary’s death as witnessed by the mourning disciples. The death and glorification of Mary window (1205-1215) in the south aisle.
Mary’s soul being received by Jesus. The death and glorification of Mary window.
Mary’s casket being carried by the disciples to its resting place. The death and glorification of Mary window.
The entombment of Mary’s body by the disciples. The death and glorification of Mary window.
The assumption of Mary into Heaven. The death and glorification of Mary Window.
Pray with Jill Geoffrion 
9 comments