This Sunday we remember when the Virgin Mary first appeared to three shepherd children of Fatima, urging them to pray the rosary for peace. We call Mary, Our Lady of Fatima, and bestow on her many other titles. Mary is worthy of these titles because she said “Yes” to God in so many ways in the midst of the joys and sorrows of everyday life. During this week we honor her through our “May Crowning” and our “Living Rosary”.
Today we also celebrate Mother’s Day and we honor moms in a special way. We remember how much moms do for their families and the many sacrifices they make on behalf of their spouse and children. Primarily through their teaching and example, they also play a key role in passing down our precious faith to their children.
The media outlet “Catholic Online” provided the following “Prayer to the Mother of the Lord for all mothers” which reflects our great appreciation for Mary and all mothers:
MARY, ON THIS DAY WHEN WE HONOR ALL MOTHERS, WE TURN TO YOU.
WE THANK THE LORD WHO YOU SERVE FOR THE GREAT GIFT OF MOTHERHOOD.
NEVER HAS IT BEEN KNOWN THAT ANYONE WHO SOUGHT YOUR INTERCESSION WAS LEFT UNAIDED BY GRACE.
DEAR MOTHER, THANK YOU FOR YOUR “YES” TO THE INVITATION OF THE ANGEL WHICH BROUGHT HEAVEN TO EARTH AND CHANGED HUMAN HISTORY.
YOU OPENED YOURSELF TO GOD’S WORD AND THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH AND DWELT AMONG US.
DEAR MOTHER, INTERCEDE FOR ALL OF OUR MOTHERS.
ASK YOUR DIVINE SON TO GIVE THEM THE GRACE OF SURRENDERED LOVE SO THAT THEY COULD JOIN WITH YOU IN GIVING THEIR OWN “FIAT.”
MAY THEY FIND DAILY STRENGTH TO SAY YES TO THE CALL TO THE SACRIFICIAL LOVE, THE VERY HEART OF THE VOCATION OF MOTHERHOOD.
MAY THEIR LOVE AND WITNESS BE A SOURCE OF GREAT INSPIRATION FOR ALL OF US CALLED TO FOLLOW YOUR SON.
ON THIS MOTHERS DAY, MOTHER OF THE WORD INCARNATE, PRAY FOR US WHO HAVE RECOURSE TO YOU. AMEN.
As we reflect on this prayer, we are challenged to follow Mary’s example of living, and her example of loving as we continue on our journey of faith. We are also encouraged to pray for peace in our world, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts. As we honor the Virgin Mary in a special way, on behalf of the clergy, staff, and parishioners of Saint Brigid, I wish all mothers a happy, healthy, and holy Mother’s Day. Mary, Our Lady of Fatima, intercede for us. Mary, our Mother, pray for us.