Written by On March 15th the Church celebrates Mothering Sunday. Coinciding with Laetare Sunday, it is a day of rejoicing as we honour and give thanks for mothers and mother figures. As the virtues of unconditional love, wisdom and the sacrificial nurturing of a child are recognised and celebrated, so too are mothers’ pivotal roles in shaping the healthy development of society-they are the metaphorical backbone and without them society would fail to thrive.
In the Bible, the book of Proverbs says of a mother: that she is clothed in strength and dignity, laughs at the appropriate time, speaks wisdom, and kindness is always on her tongue. While the portrayal may appear idealistic, when I reflect on my own mother’s life and that of other mothers, I don’t think it too unrealistic. Underlying the words there is an acknowledgement that mothers are equipped with a skill set second to none; it is a passage of praise for their role.
So, on this Mothering Sunday, let our souls, like that of our heavenly Mother Mary, ring out with joy and gladness for the gift of mothering and mothers; they are pearls of great price, and treasures beyond compare.
Jacintha Bowe
Unlike every other Catholic I know, I have never felt connected to Mother Mary. I call her ‘mother’, but the words of the Memorare are just words to me. I have never implored Mary’s help, nor sought her intercession. And yet I buy flowers for the Lady Chapel every Mother’s Day. I know she will be there if I ever need her, flowers or no flowers. Mothers always are.
I’m lucky enough to have two Mothers. I’m lucky enough to be able to buy them both flowers. I’m lucky enough to receive flowers from my own children. In many lives Mother’s Day is a reminder of the hole in your heart where a relationship should be growing. Whether from estrangement, bereavement, child mortality or pregnancy loss, I find that everywhere I turn recently there’s a story of a relationship that did not root.
We can feel alone through certain seasons of life. Motherhood, bereavement and sickness all cause the world to look different. But whether your children are here or in heaven; whether your earthly mother is near or far; there are others walking a parallel path to you. And whether you speak with her or not, Mary is walking right beside you too.
Jordan Taylor-Robinson
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