When you were a child and you skinned your knee or were frightened or in trouble, where did you go? Who did you turn to? Chances are that you ran for your mother who you knew would wipe away the tears, calm the fear, and soothe the pain.
Today we celebrate all mothers, and during this month of May, we especially remember the Mother of God. Our Blessed Mother watches over and protects each one of us with her magnificent love and tenderness.
“We always run to mom because we know mom does everything for her family. … Home is the place where when you knock on the door they have to let you in, and mom is the door of the home in that sense. If you knock on Mary’s door, she’s going to let you in,” said Bishop Edward Scharfenberger of the Diocese of Albany.
If your relationship with your mother is strained, or you’ve been separated through distance or death, why not take the Virgin Mary as your spiritual mother? St. Catherine Labouré’s mother died when she was nine years old. After the funeral, nine-year-old Catherine held a statue of the Blessed Mother and kissing it said, “Now, dear Lady, you are to be my mother.”
“Those who have not had the presence of a mother in their lives for different reasons, often find that that desire never goes away to have someone that we can really go to, that we can rely on, that will be there for us. And Mary, as we know, Jesus gave Mary to the whole Church as our mother,” explained Bishop Scharfenberger.
Even the very best mothers out there are only human—we fail at times and we need a lot of grace, patience, and forgiveness to make it through the day-to-day struggles of motherhood. But in turning to Mary, we find the ultimate model for holy, hopeful, and joyful family life. The Queen of Heaven desires to shower us with grace, protect and guide us through life, and point us to the greatest gift of all—her son, Jesus.
This Mother’s Day, remember both your earthly mother and your heavenly mother. Call your mother if she is living, pray for your mother if she is deceased, and don’t forget to talk to your Blessed Mother in prayer!
Happy Mother’s Day!
Tune in to our Mother’s Day Mass broadcast at noon CT, celebrated by Fr. Rocky in honor of moms!
Make a gift in honor of your mother and find a certificate here!
