Can the Blessed Mother ever compete?

One of the first decisions that had to be made when forming the structure around the game of Saintfest was, of course: "Can Mom play, too?"

Any faithful son of God the Father has taken Mary as his mother, handed gently to us all from Christ Himself on the Holy Cross. It is completely natural to take her hand and request that she join in the festivities. However, as a game-maker, as a judge, as an umpire, it is patently clear that it would be unfair for any saint to square off against the Mother of God. This is all under the light of fanciful fun; no one truly believes the saints actually compete for achievable glory in heaven like a currency. But, in this game geared toward glorifying the God who has deified so many, the truth of Mary's identity is still in play.

The Blessed Virgin Mary has been bestowed by God with many titles through the Church's two millennium journey. These are rewards for the humble, hidden life she virtuously led here on Earth. The Immaculate Conception, Help of All Christians, Star of the Sea, Seat of Wisdom, Undoer of Knots. The title I wish to magnify presently is that of Queen of Heaven. Just as maestros do not pick up a violin to join the orchestra, just as generals do not fight with feet upon the battlefield, and just as the emperors of Rome never competed themselves in the colosseum, our Lady is heralded and graciously seated to oversee our game as its patroness. From her throne, flanked by the throne of her earthly husband, St. Joseph, her virtues and her graces outshine all the myriad merit of those whom she looks upon. It would be, therefore, wholly unfair to have anyone in this community compare a saint to the Blessed Mother. Being the highest of all Creation, elevated and placed there by God's divine will, we, her children, are freer to frolic and play this silly game of saints under the comforting shade of her mantle.

For all games of Saintfest, Mary, we beseech your motherly intercession.

Blessed Mother, Queen of Heaven, pray for us.