Mary’s Spiritual Motherhood of Us All

Mother's Day brings to mind flowers, family dinners, and beautiful greeting cards just for Mom. It's a day to spend with your mom, to honor her and show her your love.

It's also a perfect time to think about our spiritual mother, Mary. It's no coincidence that Mother's Day and several remarkable events with Our Lady happen in May.

The first of May is marked by the "Queen of Heaven," a less commonly known feast that acknowledges Mary's role as the Queen of Heaven and her special relationship with Christ.

May 13th commemorates the apparition of Mary to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. Her visit revealed three secrets to the children and also encouraged devotion to the Rosary.

On May 31st, we celebrate "The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary." This feast details Elizabeth's remark, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" She recognized the miraculous nature of both her pregnancy and Mary's.

In many parishes, statues of Mary are decorated with flowers and crowned to honor Mary as the Queen of Heaven.

As we look to our mothers, let us give thanks to them. Through them, we have experienced the tender love of God made visible on earth. We pray to Mary, our Blessed Mother, role model, and intercessor, trusting in her prayers for all mothers.