Maria Watches Over Us

Aired: 2004

A school drama anime produced by Studio DEEN, based on the light novel series by Oyuki Konno published in Shueisha's Cobalt Bunko. Set in the high school division of Lillian Girls' Academy, a Catholic mission school, the story depicts a world of young women bound by the unique tradition of "soeurs" (sisters), where upperclassmen bestow rosaries upon underclassmen. The story begins when protagonist Yumi Fukuzawa receives a soeur proposal from Sachiko Ogasawara, the Rosa Chinensis en bouton of the student council "Yamayurikai." With delicate psychological portrayals and an elegant atmosphere, the 13-episode series chronicles the friendships, growth, and inner struggles of the girls.