Annual May Procession

Abby Lappe places a crown of flowers atop the Blessed Virgin Mary Sunday, May 6, 2012 during the annual May procession at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Mo. Around 1,000 people attended the annual event. (Laura Simon)

Around 1,000 people gather in front of Saint Mary's of the Barrens Church Sunday, May 6, 2012 during the annual May procession at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Mo. (Laura Simon)

Around 1,000 people walk along the grounds Sunday, May 6, 2012 during the annual May procession at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Mo. (Laura Simon)

Father Perry Henry blesses roses to be placed at the feet of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sunday, May 6, 2012 during the annual May procession at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Mo. Around 1,000 people attended the annual event. (Laura Simon)

Roses and other flowers surround and adorn the Blessed Virgin Mary Sunday, May 6, 2012 during the annual May procession at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Mo. (Laura Simon)

Around 1,000 people walk along the grounds Sunday, May 6, 2012 during the annual May procession at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Mo. (Laura Simon)

Around 1,000 people gather Sunday, May 6, 2012 for the annual May procession at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Mo. (Laura Simon)

Around 1,000 people walk along the grounds Sunday, May 6, 2012 during the annual May procession at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Mo. (Laura Simon)

Around 1,000 people gather Sunday, May 6, 2012 for the annual May procession at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Mo. (Laura Simon)

First communion students wait for the crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sunday, May 6, 2012 during the annual May procession at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Mo. Around 1,000 people attended the annual event. (Laura Simon)

Roses and other flowers surround and adorn the Blessed Virgin Mary Sunday, May 6, 2012 during the annual May procession at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Mo. (Laura Simon)

First communion students place roses at the feet of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sunday, May 6, 2012 during the annual May procession at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Mo. Around 1,000 people attended the annual event. (Laura Simon)

Around 1,000 people gather Sunday, May 6, 2012 for the annual May procession at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Mo. (Laura Simon)

Around 1,000 people gather Sunday, May 6, 2012 for the annual May procession at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Mo. (Laura Simon)

Around 1,000 people gather Sunday, May 6, 2012 for the annual May procession at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Mo. (Laura Simon)

The St. Vincent de Paul Parish choir sings from the grotto Sunday, May 6, 2012 during the annual May procession at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Mo. Around 1,000 people attended the annual event. (Laura Simon)

Around 1,000 people gather Sunday, May 6, 2012 for the annual May procession at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, Mo. (Laura Simon)