Mother of All

"God the Father wishes Mary to be the mother
​of His children until the end of time ..."
True Devotion #29

Mother's Day in the convent brings about a thrice-fold thanksgiving in the heart of every Sister. ​

First of all, she is profoundly grateful to her biological mother who gave her life, raised her, fostered her vocation, and through her experienced the tender love of a mother. She is forever indebted to her mother for all that she has been and all that she continues to be in her life. Though physically apart from her in this world, she carries her close to her heart in her daily thoughts, prayers, and sacrifices, thanking her for the gift of her life, i.e. vocation. ​

Secondly, the Sister is grateful for her spiritual mothers in the convent. Her dear Novice Mistress raised her as a young religious and first taught her the ways of this blessed life, walking with her in those first few years of formation. Her beloved Reverend Mother took her hand at first profession, guided her to her True Spouse, and remains with her as the Sister grows in her identity as Spouse of Jesus Christ. To her does the Sister turn to for the example of that identity, for what daughter does not wish to be like her mother? Through her, God's will is made manifest and His providence shown. She cares for her daughters as a true mother. 

Finally, the Sister's heart resounds with thanksgiving to God for the gift of her heavenly Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her fiat gave us true life and Life Himself. Because she is the Mother of God she became our Mother, too. She takes us into her arms and nourishes us in the ways of her Son. At every moment of our life, she points to our Lord saying, "Do whatever He tells you." As God permits sufferings to come, She stands with us at the foot of the cross, interceding for us and helping us to bear the pains which weighs down our hearts. Assumed into heaven, she stands at the heavenly gates with arms wide open, eagerly awaiting for her child to finally come home. 

Particularly during this month of May, Holy Mother Church desires for us to understand more deeply the reality that the Blessed Virgin Mary is truly our Mother, and the Mother of all. In crowning Our Lady's statues, we acknowledge this truth. By placing a crown of flowers on head, we externally show what we interiorly desire: for Mary to be our Mother, that she may reigns as Queen in our hearts and in the world, and that we may turn to her even more with a childlike love and trust. 

During our Mother's month, let us give ourselves anew to her with complete abandonment, allowing her to be the Mother in our life she desires to be. And on this Mother's Day, let us shower heaven with prayers of thanksgiving and intercession for all of our mothers, who are an image to us of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

---

Prayer to Mary for Mothers

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.

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...

---

First Week of May Crownings Slideshow