The Blessing of Mothers

05-12-2024Letter from the PastorFr. Don Kline, V.F.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“The most important person on earth is a mother. She cannot claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral. She need not. She has built something more magnificent than any cathedral—a dwelling for an immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby’s body… The angels have not been blessed with such a grace. They cannot share in God’s creative miracle to bring new saints to Heaven. Only a human mother can. Mothers are closer to God the Creator than any other creature; God joins forces with mothers in performing this act of creation… What on God’s good earth is more glorious than this; to be a mother?” - József Cardinal Mindszenty

We are blessed with so many faithful and loving parishioners. The many young people and families breathe new life into our already vibrant community. I am always amazed at the incredible sacrifices I see parents make at every Mass. As I see moms and dads bring their little ones to Mass and catechism classes, I am so grateful for their dedication and desire to share God's love with their children. I am reminded of the love my own mother and father have shown me throughout my life and I give thanks to God for blessing me with wonderful parents. Parents have the awesome privilege and blessing to form the future of the world IN GOD'S IMAGE! That is something we should all give thanks for as well as pray for families who are struggling and children who suffer without loving and caring parents.

Today, we give thanks to God for mothers, for mom, for the amazing gift of motherhood. I am continually amazed and humbled by the love and care that so many moms from our parish give to their children. Motherhood is a profound calling that is an essential part of the dignity of women.

During the pontificate of Pope John Paul II, the Holy Father wrote a beautiful encyclical called, On the Dignity and Vocation of Women. The Encyclical has been studied by millions of Catholic men and woman since its release. I found the Holy Father’s words to be tender and intimate, most especially because his own mother died when he was a child.

Pope John Paul II wrote: “Motherhood involves a special communion with the mystery of life, as it develops in the woman's womb. The mother is filled with wonder at this mystery of life, and "understands" with unique intuition what is happening inside her. In the light of the "beginning," the mother accepts and loves as a person the child she is carrying in her womb.”

Pope John Paul also shared that the father must look to his wife to begin to understand his role in the family. That is, “the father with all his sharing in parenthood--always remains "outside" the process of pregnancy and the baby's birth; in many ways he has to learn his own "fatherhood" from the mother.”

My prayer is that the mothers among us can give thanks for their vocations on Mother’s Day. And further, I hope as their children, we respect that calling and uphold the institution of motherhood as the divine calling that it is! Let us pray:

Mother Mary, on this day when we honor all mothers, we turn to you. We thank the Lord whom 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. Mother Mary, 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 Mother’s Day, Mother of the Word Incarnate, pray for us who have recourse to you…

May God bless Mothers today!

God Bless,

Fr. Don Kline, V. F.