This Sunday is Mother’s Day and we are invited to remember and honor our mothers in a special way. We can reflect on how much they do for their families and the many sacrifices they make on behalf of their spouse and children. Primarily through their teaching and their example, they also play an essential role in passing down our faith to their children. They often guide their children through their formative years with great love, patience and kindness. As often noted, mothers do many ordinary things and they do them extraordinarily well.
Pope Leo has a great respect for the vocation of motherhood. During a recent address in Rome, as reported in the publication “Catholic Vote”, he stated, “One of the most wonderful expressions of the love of God is the love that is poured out by mothers, especially to their children and grandchildren.” He has encouraged the faithful to look to Mary, the mother of Jesus, as the model for all mothers.
The following “A Prayer for All Mothers” thanks God for the gift of our mothers:
Loving God, thank you for all the mothers in the world.
Bless them so that they may always give life and nourishment to their children through their firm faith,
generous and selfless love, good example and constant concern for their bodily and spiritual health.
Grant that we, their children, may honor them always with a spirit of profound love, respect and thanksgiving.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
As we reflect on this prayer, we are invited to give thanks to our mothers for the many sacrifices they make on behalf of their families, especially in these difficult and uncertain times. They deserve our thanks for all that they do, and for the example they set for us. We may continue to honor them primarily by obeying them in our younger years, and by graciously taking care of them in their advancing years. It is also appropriate to thank them for all the spiritual guidance they have provided to us. In addition, we can also remember those mothers and grandmothers who have died, but still have a special place in our hearts and we can honor those women who are not mothers but have a great gift of love and compassion for those entrusted to their care.
On behalf of the clergy, staff, and parishioners of Saint Brigid, we wish all mothers a happy, healthy, and holy Mother’s Day. May they enjoy their special day.