This Sunday is Mother’s Day, and families traditionally gather together on this day to remember and honor their mothers in a special way. Many people take time to reflect on how much mothers do for their families and the many sacrifices they make on behalf of their spouse, children and other loved ones. Primarily through their teaching and their example, they also play an essential role in passing down their faith to their children. They also often guide their children through their formative years with great love, patience and kindness.
When we think of mothers, we are encouraged to think of Mary, the mother of Jesus. May is the month of Mary, and this month we honor her in a special way. We call her Queen of Peace, and Our Lady of the Rosary, and bestow upon her many other titles. In conferring these worthy titles upon Mary, we may sometimes forget that she was also a mom. She cooked; she cleaned; she worked. Mary took care of her husband Joseph and her child Jesus. She did the things that moms do. Mary remained faithful in times of joy and in times of trial and is a model for all moms.
Pope Francis has a great respect for the vocation of motherhood. As noted in the media outlet, “The Catholic World Report”, Pope Francis stated, “Mother’s Day is celebrated in many countries today. We reflect with gratitude on all mothers, and let us also pray for mothers who have gone to heaven. We entrust mothers to the protection of Mary, our heavenly mother.”
The following “Prayer of Gratitude for Mothers” from the media outlet, “Christianity.com’, asks God to bless and guide all mothers:
Heavenly Father,
we thank You for the gift of motherhood.
Today we celebrate the loving sacrifice of mothers,
biological and spiritual,
who nurture and guide us in Your ways.
Bless them with joy, strength,
and love to continue their selfless devotion.
May they feel deeply appreciated
and honored not just today, but every day. Amen.
As we reflect on this prayer, we are encouraged to give thanks to our mothers. It is fitting to thank them 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 who have died, but still have a special place in our hearts.
On behalf of the clergy, staff, and parishioners of Saint Brigid, we wish all mothers a happy, healthy, and holy Mother’s Day. We hope they enjoy their special day.