"Mary is the model of how we should respond to God's call, with a humble and trusting heart".

This weekend we join once again in the celebration of Mothers Day, the day our communities celebrate with love, gratitude and joy the women in our lives. In our Catholic tradition it is timely to draw parallels between Mary, the mother of Jesus, and mothers, indeed all women, today. We are encouraged to look to her as a model of compassion, courage and, of course, devoted motherhood.

There is no need to expand on the nature of the troubled times through which our world is currently passing, particularly with regard to the safety, wellbeing and respect of  women.  As Mary demonstrated strength and faith in times of adversity, so we might pray for that strength, that women everywhere might view the world through eyes of compassion and wisdom, supporting one another, as they process events occurring in the world around them and even within their own families. 

As women, especially as mothers, we reflect on the celebrations of this weekend, and might ask that we too, as Mary our mother demonstrated, be symbols of hope as we offer solace, comfort and security to those in our care. At the same time, we give thanks to our own mothers for the gift of life and for, to the best of their ability or circumstances, giving us guidance and support during our lives.

As we reflect on our roles, and on the learnings we can take from Mary’s role in nurturing and raising Jesus,  we ask for the grace and wisdom to continue in our own nurturing role. We give thanks, this Mothers Day 2024, for the strong and compassionate women in our lives and take this opportunity to thank them.

Loving God, 

We ask Your blessing on each mother …

fill their hearts with laughter and joy; 

surround them with love from family and friends; 

grant them health, peace, and fulfilment as they pursue their daily roles; 

and may they know their value and worth in Your eyes and ours. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.